GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Iowa Central rugby team couldn’t get on track Saturday, falling to Div. 1A power Davenport University here, 52-33.

The Tritons fell behind early, 31-0, and were never able to climb out of the hole.

“Honestly, we were flat when we got off the bus and it continued into warmups,” ICCC head coach Brent Nelson said.

Pierre Wansbury got Iowa Central on the board and Rhys Smith converted, but Davenport led 38-7 at the break.

“Gareth Sanders-Crooks had a cracker of a second half, but it just wasn’t him,” Nelson said. “The forwards really stepped up with a couple of brilliant mauls and the scrum downs were masterful.

“Hugo Minnaar made some calls and got the fowards more involved and they responded well. Elijah Hayes showed his potential and we managed to play better in the second half.

Sanders-Cross punched in four second half tries and Smith finished 4 of 5 on tries.

Iowa Central dropped a 26-0 decision in a development match.

The Tritons returns to action next Sunday at Notre Dame College.