As the final whistle sounded on Friday night, Mooroopna stood tall having broken a seven-year winless dry spell after a hard-fought game getting the job done against SYC.
And it didn't come easy.
Mooroopna got on the front foot early, slamming two goals home in the first quarter before adding a third and fourth as the final term approached.
Protecting a 4-1 lead, Cats coach Kieren Vaviours’ instructions were simple; defend for your lives.
SYC netted two in rapid succession to reduce the deficit to a single goal and, although the pressure was piled on, Mooroopna refused to budge.
While the pure jubilation may have not been evident to the naked eye, Mooroopna's Michael Van Dorsser had no doubts it was there nonetheless.
“It was surprisingly calm at the end of the game, but personally, relief was the first emotion to hit,” Van Dorsser said.
“SYC played really well and had plenty of shots on goal, but it was a great team effort to keep them out — I'm really proud of everyone.”
On Saturday, Shepparton Strikers had the home net rattling as it dismantled Echuca-Moama 7-2.
It signalled a miraculous turnaround from the week prior, where the side was felled 5-3 at the hands of Strathdale Tigers in Regional Hockey League.
Going down the list, Mooroopna fired on all cylinders in the B-men grade.
Capping a dazzling day for the club, Mooroopna sent two past SYC and held firm on defence to get on the board.
In the round's other game, Strikers shared the spoils with Echuca-Moama after recording a 2-2 draw.
Mooroopna's dominance continued in B-women, as the side raced to a five-goal belting of Benalla.
SYC wasn't pulling any punches either, sending six past Euroa, while the Strikers felt the might of Echuca-Moama during an 8-2 rout.
The newly-introduced under-17 grade lived up to the excitement, keeping those on the sidelines on their feet as SYC-Strikers laid waste to Mooroopna-Benalla 8-2.
Goulburn Valley Grammar School's (GVGS) introduction wasn't so sweet, as it shipped three to a polished Echuca-Moama opposition.
A midday massacre was reserved for Echuca-Moama in the under-14s.
Strikers were relentless on offence as it blasted 16 past the visitors without reply, making SYC's 5-2 triumph over Mooroopna look meek in comparison.
Lastly, Benalla took care of Strikers in the under-12 division, while SYC got over GVGS by a two-goal margin.
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