In front of a large contingent of Old Boys, the Marist Brothers Rams took it to defending premiers, the Ballina Seagulls at Crozier Oval on Sunday afternoon.

The two teams were contesting the Dennis Meaney Trophy, in honour of a man who was integral to the success of both clubs.

Unfortunately, Dennis passed away in 2011 but his memory lives on in both towns.

Dennis's grandson Nick Meaney is currently playing for the Canterbury Bulldogs after a stint with the Newcastle Knights.

After tough first round wins in wet conditions, both teams came out ready to play on a much drier pitch.

The Seagulls opened the scoring after just 2 minutes, before Josh Patston levelled the score at 6 all at the end of the first quarter.

Photo: Dennis Meaney Trophy presentation to the Ballina Seagulls

It seemed that the game was on repeat in the second quarter as Ballina crossed again early, before Patston barged over for his second try.

Ballina went to the long break up 16-10, but unfortunately for the Rams, a Jake Hoban try, 15 minutes into the second half was the only time that they worried the scorers in the second half.

Photo: Heavy defence on Seagulls Captain/Coach Luke Douglas

The Seagulls eventually retaining the Trophy with a 28-16 victory.

Rams Coach Mark Sivewright was disappointed but optimistic after the match.

"Ballina are the benchmark in the competition, so we now know where we sit. We need to grind out wins this year, it's a tough season."

"The Ballina and Brothers matches are always physical contests and this was no different today, we have a few boys that are a bit battered and bruised."

"I was really pleased with the efforts of Lachlan Kennedy, Lochie Perrin and Josh Patston today through the middle, they worked hard."

"We are a good side, we just have to complete our sets, take the errors out of our game and maintain concentration for the full 80 minutes."

Marist Brothers are at home again next week against the Byron Bay Red Devils.

The match was well supported by the Lismore Rams Old Boys who hosted their first major function today, starting with lawn bowls in East Lismore and moving on to Crozier Oval to support all four grades.

The group has been established to maintain connections and support the senior and junior clubs.

More information regarding the Rams Old Boys can be found at https://www.ramsoldboys.com.au

First Grade: Ballina d Marist Brothers 28-16

Reserve Grade: Marist Brothers d Ballina 26-14

Under 18's: Ballina d Marist Brothers 30-18

Women's League Tag: Marist Brothers d Ballina 22-10