Melbourne Vixens have taken an important step towards securing a Super Netball semi-final spot with a dramatic 58-57 victory over Queensland Firebirds.
Down by seven goals in the third quarter, Queensland fought back to lead by three only to lose in the final moments at Gold Coast Sport and Leisure Centre.
With scores level in the final minute, Malawi import Mwai Kumwenda won back possession for the Vixens to seal their third successive win.
"We were just saying we need one ball turnover," Vixens defender Renae Ingles said.
"Any gain ball you get off a team like the Firebirds, you have to treasure it so it came down to that."
Ingles was pleased to hold off the fast-finishing Firebirds after the home side hit the front in the fourth quarter.
"We knew with the Firebirds, regardless of what the scoreline was, they have a lot of scoring power," she said.
"For us it was about the 60-minute contest and it certainly was that, it came down to the last seconds of the game."
Shooters Kumwenda (29/32) and Tegan Philip (29/35) received great service in the circle from midcourters Liz Watson and captain Kate Moloney.
Leading the league in assists, Watson continued her outstanding form by adding another 30 goal assists in a classy performance.
The victory keeps Melbourne's chances of back-to-back minor premierships alive.
But the Firebirds are now in danger of falling out of the top four after their second one-goal loss in a row.
Wayward early shooting from Romelda Aiken (38/47) proved costly while Gretel Tippett (19/20) worked hard from goal attack.
After an even first quarter, the Vixens' steady play saw them build a four-goal lead in the second stanza with Tegan Philip on song.
The introduction of defender Kim Jenner provided the Firebirds with a lift but some missed opportunities saw the Vixens take a 32-30 edge into halftime.
The Vixens increased the margin to seven in the third term but with Aiken finding her shooting touch and Laura Geitz lifting in defence, Queensland hit back with six goals in a row to set up a thrilling final term.
The Vixens host the Adelaide Thunderbirds as they aim for a fourth straight win while the Firebirds face a crucial match-up against the Giants.
