In an opener of what promises to be a hugely disrupted collegiate rugby season, Iowa Central Community College defeated Iowa State 23-14 Saturday.

The game was touted as a scrimmage as both programs were just trying to get players on the field. Still it was a real rugby game with tackles and scrums and everything.

Iowa Central was just coming out of an intense preseason with players in a bubble and getting tested. Iowa State has had protocols in place since March, and had a strict plan of action with players in training now—temperature-taking, isolation of players who report even one possible symptom.

“We just urged them to be smart,” said Head Coach Anthony Frein. “You have to make the right choices. Don’t go to that frat party, but stay at home and watch a game on TV instead. Some guys weren’t thrilled and we did lose some guys, but the guys the guys who were on the field yesterday were the guys who are committed to make this work.”

And Iowa State put in a bit of a surprise effort, “effort” being the key word. The Cyclones amped up their work rate and put the Tritons under pressure. The Iowa State back row, especially, worked to put Iowa Central flyhalf Hugo Minnaar under pressure. Minnaar did well to respond, but certainly he didn’t have all the time and space he wanted.

“Hats off to Ant Frein and the Iowa State boys,” said Iowa Central Head Coach Brent Nelson. “They were as good as they’ve every been and they were even missing some players with injuries. We were only up 8-7 at half.”

Iowa Central put in three tries to open up a 23-7 lead before Iowa State replied with a late try.

“They kept battling,” said Nelson.

For the Tritons, Nelson said his team was “very undisciplined” on defense with too many offside penalties. They adjusted well for the second half.

Player Spotlight: Alex Kennach

And “it just seemed when we would gain some good ground we’d commit a mental error and turn the ball over. From that standpoint it was frustrating, but overall it was rugby and it was stunning weather. It was great to be able to say ‘Saturday was a rugby day.’”

Minaar was very good for Iowa Central and combined nicely with his scrumhalf Elijah Valle. Their crisp passing helped keep the attack on the front foot.  New recruit Alex Kennach out of Penn HS showed well in his debut while Wisconsin products Zavier Ellis and Aiden Farrell played well off the bench. But leading the way was probably openside flanker Dakota Southworth. The local Iowa product (Cedar Falls) was the player of the game and just has an unstoppable engine. He worked and worked and, said Nelson, “we have come to expect what he brings to the table … he’s the example we want to see out of every young man who comes through the program.”

Player Spotlight: Alex Kennach

Iowa State got a nice surprise performance from Aiden Lewis at scrumhalf. Brought in on late notice the young #9 took his opportunity with both hands and played an excellent game. Back from a year at an internship, Kenny Holmes showcased his athleticism and range. He’s now moved to lock alongside Alex Geisert, forming a formidable second row for the Cyclones. Up front, Brandon Karnes was a monster at prop. Having missed most of last season because of a concussion (and then COVID), the sophomore put in the strength and conditioning work and was mobile and ferocious.

Support GRR—Become a Supporting Patron

Overall, then, an entertaining game in what will be an ad hoc season for both teams.

“We didn’t know what to expect,” said Frein. “When the whistle went to start the game that was the first time I’d seen these guys without masks since March. I was pretty proud of what they did, and, hey, if anyone wants to play and is following good protocols, come to Ames, Iowa and we’ll give you a game!”