On a slow deck at Princess Park, the two teams battled out a gripping encounter that went down to the wire.
As always in first games of a new season, players can be rusty with willow in hand, which was evident for these two sides.
The exception was United's Hugh Conway (43 off 61 deliveries), who played a starring role in the middle order to help guide his side to the narrow victory.
Struggling at 5-42 in its run chase, United was able to hold on and reel in Mooroopna's target of 7-123 with Ethan Warburton (11 not out) and Sam Nash (14 not out) keeping their nerve at the tail end of the innings.
“It was a really good game of cricket,” United captain Dwain Vidler said.
“The scoreboard might say otherwise and that it was low-scoring.
“But both teams bowled extremely well and it's great to start the season with a win.”
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Mooroopna openers Mathew MaCansh (28 runs) and Brady Mulcahy (15) started steadily.
However, the Cats lost 5-15 during the middle overs thanks to impressive bowling from United's spinning duo Rehan Bari (2-21) and Mitch Jarrett (3-24).
The two spinners dried up the runs and played a big role in restricting the Cats to 7-123.
After the tea break, Mooroopna gained ascendancy through opening bowlers Henry Barrow (2-26) and and Paul Marshall (2-37).
United stumbled to 2-4 and before long, number five batsman Conway made his way to the crease for the matchwinning knock.
“Hugh batted really well, he was patient and waited for the right balls in the right areas,” Vidler said.
“He really anchored the innings for us.”
United's captain saved more praise for Warburton, 16, and Nash, 21, who combined for 23 runs in the ninth-wicket partnership.
“Ethan and Sam showed a lot of maturity out in the middle,” he said.
“They kept ticking the runs over nicely and took the game on and got us over the line.”
THE GAME
Mooroopna 7-123 (Mathew MaCansh 28, Mitch Jarrett 3-24, Rehan Bari 2-21) def by
Shepparton United 8-125 (Hugh Conway 43, Henry Barrow 2-26)
STAR PLAYER
Hugh Conway (Shepparton United): In tough circumstances and with his batting partners dropping like flies at the other end, Conway's patient 43 off 61 balls was the glue to United's run chase.
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