Mwai Kumwenda has drilled a two-point shot after the final siren to cap an improbable fourth-quarter comeback as Melbourne Vixens claimed a memorable 62-61 Super Netball victory over cross-town rivals Collingwood Magpies.
The Magpies won each of the first three quarters and appeared to have their second victory for the season in their grasp before Kumwenda turned Sunday's derby clash at John Cain Aren on its head with a late flurry to steal the result for Melbourne.
Kumwenda rocked the Magpies with a run of four two-point Super shots after the Vixens trailed by seven with less than five minutes to play, converting the match-sealing shot after time expired despite the attention of multiple Collingwood defenders.
"I actually can't believe that we won that game by one goal," defender Jo Weston said after Melbourne outscored the Magpies 21-14 in the fourth quarter.
"It was pretty intense.
"The last two minutes we tried to play the ball around and then Collingwood also tried to sort of spare a bit of time on the clock but then (Kumwenda) with that two-point shot after the buzzer - I couldn't even watch, I was too nervous."
The Vixens appeared to benefit from receiving two centre passes in a row during the final minutes but the match will be remembered for the inspirational burst from Melbourne's Malawi international shooter.
"I'm feeling good, that was tough there. I'm just proud of the girls and they put in the fight today," Kumwenda told Fox Sports after last season's grand finalists bounced back from a gutting loss to West Coast Fever by inflicting heartbreak on their fierce rivals.
The all-Victorian match-up lived up to its billing with plenty of physical and, at times, feisty exchanges with the Magpies getting the better of a tight opening half despite racking up 44 penalties.
The connection between Kelsey Browne and shooter Shimona Nelson helped Collingwood establish an 18-15 lead after one quarter with defender Jodi-Ann Ward continuing her flying start to the season with three early intercepts.
Ward's battle with Australian Diamonds attacker Keira Austin intensified in the second quarter as the Magpies punished numerous unforced turnovers from the Vixens to edge ahead 33-28 by halftime.
Collingwood maintained their advantage throughout the third period and the Vixens looked short on attacking options without the threat of injured goaler Rahni Samason but Kumwenda stepped up in the closing minutes of the game with a game-turning display of long-range shooting.
The Vixens host the winless Giants next Sunday while Collingwood will face an unbeaten West Coast Fever in Perth.
