last-ditch

Possibly from a military sense.

• last ditch

last-ditch

1. (idiomatic) final, as a last resort; done in desperation.

   He sent flowers in a last-ditch effort to keep her from leaving.

   • 2011 January 15, Sam Sheringham, “Chelsea 4 - 3 Blackburn Rovers”, in 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.

Often in the phrase last-ditch attempt or last-ditch effort

• die in the last ditch

• Hail Mary pass