A try by full back Mitch Krause in the final minute saw Marist Brothers Rams come from behind to beat Casino RSM Cougars in very heavy wet conditions at Queen Elizabeth Park, Casino, yesterday.

Mitch Krause dives on the ground with the ball to record the match-winning try. Photo: Christine Butcher

The Rams were behind with less than 10 minutes to go but the fitness training that the players did before after the coronavirus pandemic told as the home side tired.

"We came home strong," said Marist Brothers coach Mark Sivewright, who was in charge of his first match in the 10-game NRRRL season.

Marist Brothers: 'Every game is a Grand Final'

Centre Isaac Lee scored to bring the sides level and then a piece of magic from hooker and co-captain Pauly O'Neill paved the way for the dramatic winner.

"O'Neill was on our 20 metre line and went straight up the middle, through their defence. He drew the full-back and passed to Mitch Krause, who went over between the posts," said Sivewright.

"I am really proud of Mitch for pushing forward right at the death. We had broken through earlier in the match but there was a lack of support."

Marist Brothers started badly in the tough conditions.

Matt Tickle takes no prisoners as he bursts through the Casino forwards. Photo: Christine Butcher

"The first 15 minutes were not up to standard. Everything we had talked about, we did not do. Our discipline was poor and we were making a lot of mistakes," said Sivewright.

The first drinks break gave Sivewright and his assistants time to talk to the players and get them back on track.

"We knew we needed to be better than this. I think in the second quarter we were a lot better, in the third quarter we were a lot better and in the fourth quarter we played well."

"We then got on a bit of a roll but credit to Casino, they played really good. They defended well."

In the latter part of the first half Marist Brothers looked certain to score on four or five occasions but, as Casino RSM Cougars said on its Facebook page: "First half defensive effort was unbelievable."

The match was played in horrendous condition. The pitch was heavy and there was water on the field.

"It was a good old-fashioned forwards-orientated game. Kyle Kennedy was adjudged our best player but the forwards stood up and gave their all," said Sivewright.

"it took 79 minutes to beat them."

Rams co-captain Jacob Follent tries to outfox the Cougars forwards. Photo: Christine Butcher

Krause's converted try saw the Rams come home 16-10.

"It was a great first up game, really tough," said Sivewright, who said Kyle Kennedy and Isaac Lee were adjudged best on field.

The Rams Reserves were pulled back to a 24-all draw and the Rams Under 18s won 20-16.

Marist Brothers play 2019 Premiers Ballina, who have won the title five times in the past seven years, at Crozier Field, Lismore, on Sunday.

NRRRL Round 1 Results

Casino 10 Marist Brothers 16

Northern United 12 Mullumbimby 16

Tweed Coast 18 Murwillumbah 14

Byron Bay 30 Cudgen 16

Bilambil 24 Ballina 36