Last-ditch Meaning

Example :   He sent flowers in a last-ditch effort to keep her from leaving.2011 January 15, Sam Sheringham, “Chelsea 4 - 3 Blackburn Rovers”[1], BBC:  Only a last-ditch tackle from Michel Salgado denied Didier Drogba after a clever through-ball from Anelka and, from the resulting corner, Ivanovic flicked the ball on for Ramires, who lashed a half-volley against the bar.