Ballina beats Brothers in season opener
Ballina Seagulls kicked off their 2007 Retravision Northern Rugby League season on a winning note, beating arch-rivals Marist Brothers 20-12 in the round one match at Kingsford Smith Park, Ballina, today.
Ballina built their win on a strong defensive effort in the first half.
Although they gave Brothers a glut of possession through basic errors, the Seagulls defence held tight and they went to the half-time break leading 14-6.
Brothers hit back soon after half-time to trail 14-12, but another try, and two goals from hooker Andrew Battese, clinched the win.
Battese kicked four goals from five attempts and had a solid game in general play.
Front-rower Dylan Montgomery was a stand-out for Ballina.
Brothers’ new centre, former NRL player Wise Kativerata, was slow off the mark but finished strongly and sounded a warning that he will be a trump card for the Rams this season.
Ballina won reserve grade 34-10. Brothers took the Under-18 game 20-18.
