Northern United's Roy Bell celebrated his 36th birthday in fine style against city rivals the Marist Brothers Rams in the NRRRL on Sunday afternoon.

Bell showed his experience with brilliant passing and a controlled kicking game to steer the Dirrawongs to their best game of the season.

Bell's combination with five eighth Trevor Bolt and centres Fred Pitt and Clarence Kelly was instrumental in the Dirrawong's tight win over Marist Brothers at Crozier Oval.

Bell has called Northern United home for many years after previous stints with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, South Grafton in Group 2 and the Casino Cougars in the NRRRL.

The match started with some good early attack from Bell and Bolt, who were combining well.

A chip kick into the in goal was dived on by Dirrawongs' left side winger Denzel Dangerfield for the first points of the afternoon, which was not converted for a 4-0 lead.

Denzel Dangerfield on the attack for Northern United. Photo: Matthew Barlow

The Rams then set about steadying and began to get the upper hand.

Ten minutes in, Rams winger Hezakiah Mckenzie was able to dive on a mistake in the right hand corner to even up the match 4-4.

From the ensuing kickoff, a strong run from Rams second rower Josh Patston, followed up by another good run from lock Jake Hoban, set up Mckenzie to again dive on a grubber kick in the right corner to give Marist Brothers the lead at 8-4. The conversion by Jacob Follent was unsuccessful after hitting the upright.

Jake Hoban with a strong hit up for Marist Brothers. Photo: Christine Butcher

Immediately after the start of the second quarter, United lock Theo Hippi crashed over adjacent to the uprights which was converted by Roy Bell to see United return to the lead 10-8.

The Dirrawongs continued to attack and had the territorial advantage until a dropped ball and back to back penalties gave Brothers some relief.

However, this was short-lived with a strong run from Trevor Bolt and a deft chip kick from Bell allowing Daniel Taylor to dive over in the right hand corner for a 14-8 lead. Bell just missed the conversion.

Brothers winger Luke Davis chases down the Dirrawongs' Trevor Bolt. Photo: Matthew Barlow

Rams half Jacob Follent was able to convert a penalty goal on half time after a high shot was ruled in centre field, with Northern United leading 14-10 at halftime.

The Rams started the second half in the worst possible fashion, with the kick off going out on the full over the dead ball line.

From the ensuing set of six, United five eight Trevor Bolt capitalised on a strong run from Theo Hippi, diving over for his own four pointer, which was not converted, but pushed United to an 18-10 scoreline.

This was quickly followed up with a try on the left to centre and captain Clarence Kelly from a cross kick from Roy Bell. Bell was unable to convert from out wide, but United had raced to a 22-10 lead.

Brothers then stiffened up their defence and were more direct in their attack creating an opportunity for young centre Henry Lee to score on debut. It was an emotional time for Lee and his brother Isaac, as the match started with a minutes silence to remember their uncle, Peter Lee, who sadly passed away this week.

Rams centre Henry Lee dives over for his first try in First Grade. Photo: Matthew Barlow

The try was converted by Jacob Follent, to see the Rams close the gap to 22-16.

In the shadows of three quarter time, Northern's Jarrod See barged over beside the left upright, which was converted by second rower Joey Gordon to push the lead to 28-16.

The final 20 minutes saw both teams wearing their hearts on their sleeve, with plenty of stiff defence and emotion to finish the local derby, as both teams knew the importance of the win.

Strong Northern United defence on Brothers prop Lachlan Kennedy. Photo: Matthew Barlow

With just seven minutes to go, Rams prop Lilo Stavenow pushed his way over under the posts, which was converted by Follent to close the gap to Dirawongs 28, Rams 22.

United then put the kickoff out on the full to give Brothers possession and field position, but strong defence kept the Brothers at bay.

A number of repeat sets in the dying minutes, lead by Bell's brilliant kicking game, allowed United prop Jeffrey Skeen to barge over beside the left upright which was converted by Grant Brown which took the final score to 34-22.

United prop Jeffrey Skeen barges over for the final try. Photo: Matthew Barlow

Marist Brothers Coach Mark Sivewright was disappointed with the result.

"I thought we had them early and we let them back into the match. This was a critical game for us, as we are now in third spot with the bye next week and then we play United again, so a win would have been handy today."

"Full credit to Northern, their halves were all class today."

Marist Brothers Captain Paul O'Neill ready to offload. Photo: Christine Butcher

Dirrawongs Coach Dallas Waters was impressed with his teams effort.

"I spoke to the boys about our defence today. Brothers have a strong forward pack and if we were able to match them in the middle, our attack has the firepower to score points," he said.

"It was our best game of the season and with everyone at training this week, we can start to gain some momentum leading into the finals.

"The team is capable of anything, we just need to put it all together, and we went a long way to starting that process today.

"Everyone did their job today."

Marist Brothers have the bye next weekend and Northern United take on Mullumbimby at Crozier Field.

First Grade: Northern United 34 Marist Brothers 22

Reserve Grade: Marist Brothers 38 Northern United 14

Ladies League Tag: Marist Brothers Ramettes 18 Northern United 16