Oxford Saints threw away a fourth quarter lead to lose 25-20 at home to Ipswich Cardinals in BAFL Division 1 South.

And their defeat could prove vital in deciding the end-of-season play-off positions.

Saints' wide receiver Mark McGowan leapt high into the air to steal the ball for an amazing opening touchdown, which Adam Newman converted.

It took Ipswich until the second quarter to hit back when Byron Washington set up Matt Nichol to crash over for the score from one yard out.

Saints increased their lead with the final play of the half, following a ten-yard pass from Wayne Mayers to tight end Mark Losos.

Entering the fourth quarter, the game started to heat up.

Oxford scored again with a nine-yard pass from Mayers to Joe Grenidge.

Newman kicked the PAT to leave a seemingly comfortable scoreline of 20-6 in favour of the Saints.

Ipswich rallied with touchdowns from Heith Johnson, Washington, who ran in from 48 yards with Adam Van Der Zanden adding a conversion.

With under a minute remaining, Ipswich's inspirational quarterback Chris Jackson fired the perfect pass for Nicholl to scamper into the end zone and score the decisive touchdown.