A clash that had major implications on the top rungs of the table, United was inspired by a clinical first innings bowling performance that saw the side need just 120 for victory on a tough wicket at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve.
Opener Sam Adams was the chief destroyer for the visitors, claiming impressive figures of 4-28 from his nine overs, with his ability to consistently hit a good line and length causing problems for the Cats batters.
Mooroopna did put up a slight fightback early on courtesy of a 49-run stand between captain Paul McDonald (29) and wicketkeeper Ben Woods (21).
But a middle order collapse of 5-9 had the Cats under the pump as they scraped to just 119 from their 45 overs.
Needing a near-perfect bowling performance to snatch a win, it was a tough start for the Cats bowlers as openers Tyler and Connor Green combined for a 60-run stand to knock off half the victory target before a wicket fell.
Seemingly cruising to victory, Mooroopna mustered one last fightback as its bowlers found their line and length.
Quickly removing both openers, Brad Boyle would inspire the United collapse as they lost 4-24 to open the doors for a Cats victory.
Luckily for the visitors, number three Callum Walton survived the carnage and counter attacked nicely on his way to a match-winning 35.
Elsewhere in B-grade, Northerners put in a powerful batting performance to crush Nagambie by 129 runs.
Declan Newbound was the standout for the Jets compiling a well-made 55, before Dallas Furnell tore through the Lakers batting line up taking 3-14.
Karramomus solidified its position in the top two with a comfortable five wicket win over Euroa.
Euroa’s Lucas Paul provided late fireworks in the first innings, striking 50 off just 44 balls to help his side to a defendable total of 157.
The Karra batters proved to be too good, as Tristen Murray stood up in the middle order with a timely 58 to help his side to victory in 38.1 overs.
Central Park-St Brendans, Numurkah and Pine Lodge rounded out the winners list for round nine.
C-grade
Jim McGregor Shield C-grade action was highlighted by a thrilling one wicket win by Pine Lodge against Kyabram.
Winning the toss and sending the Redbacks in, it was a poor start for the Lodgers as openers Aidan Robinson and Jack Sinclair put on a quick fire 39-run stand.
Pine Lodge worked its way back into the contest courtesy of Jack Vaivers (2-24), with the consistent fall of wickets having Kyabram precariously placed at 4-82.
Robinson would prove to be an immovable force and survived the carnage to post a patient 51, before powerful middle order hitter Mitchell Fitzgerald picked up the slack and slammed a quick fire 53 to see the Redbacks to a daunting total of 181.
Needing a fast start, the Bloods were immediately forced onto the back foot as Noah Ryan struck first ball to remove Travis Knight, before Darren Speechley departed shortly after to have them reeling at 2-3.
Under mountains of pressure, Zac Clark-Lines (42) went about rebuilding the innings, as the game quickly turned in Pine Lodge’s favour.
Given great support by James Dainton (15) and Gurinder Singh (37) it was anybody’s game at the halfway mark, before Kyabram once again grabbed the momentum taking 4-19 to again have the Pine Lodge chase in disarray.
Still needing 65 runs with just three wickets in the shed, the game would take one last turn as the Pine Lodge tail began to frustrate the Redback bowlers.
Led by Seamus Kearney (19), the Redbacks just could not break through, as the Lodgers remarkably got the job done with one wicket still in the sheds.
Other winners in the C-grade were Invergordon, Numurkah and Undera.
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