A bowling masterclass from the hosts orchestrated their six-wicket semi-final victory, as the Cats tore apart Nagambie at the cost of only 101 runs.
All five bowlers collected a scalp — with Simon D'Elia the standout with 3-20 — as Mooroopna suffocated the Lakers’ star batsmen.
It was a convincing run chase from the Cats.
Gun recruit Jac Smith-Williams posted a classy unbeaten 48 and hit the winning runs with a large six straight down the ground.
Mooroopna skipper Sam O'Brien revealed what the atmosphere felt like for Cats as they secured their first Haisman Shield decider since the 2010-11 season.
“It's really exciting for not only us players, but for the whole club,” O'Brien said.
“It's been a while since the club's last Haisman Shield grand final appearance, so it's certainly a special feeling.
“But not only for the A-grade team, but the club has all three of its top sides make it to the grand final and that in itself is a massive achievement.
“And our under-16s won the premiership too, which was the first time in a long time, so the club is in a really fortunate position going forward.”
Looking back at the semi-final contest, Mooroopna will remember it as a day that belonged to its bowlers.
Once the Cats claimed the prize scalp of Nagambie skipper Mark Nolan, the Lakers would go on to lose a dramatic 5-20.
Jack Gaskill (2-12) and D'Elia were the main destroyers, with the latter claiming the wicket of opener Ben Tarran — who had reached a steady 17 off 94 deliveries.
Chasing a low total of 102, Mooroopna's run chase was not without its hiccups.
The first wicket fell after nine runs and once the hosts lost 3-9 before drinks, the thought of Nagambie escaping with an incredible victory was beginning to became a reality
But Smith-Williams and O'Brien quickly shut the door on any comeback and guided their side to victory in the 31st over.
“I thought all of our bowlers did a terrific job. They bowled tight lines and really built pressure on their batsmen,” O'Brien said.
“Our bowling attack has been top-notch all season and to their credit they got the job done on Saturday.
“Jac is a class batsman and person. We knew the quality he possessed before he joined and he proved that on Saturday.”
The Cats will take on Waaia in Saturday's Haisman Shield grand final at Deakin Reserve.
THE GAME
Mooroopna 4-102 (Jac Smith-Williams 48 not out, Sam O'Brien 18 not out, Brayden Biggs 3-29, Mark Nolan 1-19) d Nagambie 101 (Ricky Misiti 19, Ben Tarran 17, Simon D'Elia 3-20, Jack Gaskill 2-12)
STAR PLAYER
Simon D'Elia (Mooroopna): A number of Mooroopna players could have finished with the star player tag, but it has landed with the Cats’ spinner for his damaging nine-over spell. D'Elia picked up the vital wicket of Nagambie opener Ben Tarran and collected 3-20 during the Lakers’ stunning 5-20 batting collapse.
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