Redbacks veteran Callum Ferguson posted a fighting century but it was Western Australia who came away with the spoils in a pulsating Sheffield Shield clash at the WACA Ground.
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The Warriors snared 7-53 late on the final day to secure the 36-run win with just seven balls to spare.
Paceman Matt Kelly was the hero on the final day with figures of 5-63, while David Moody snared three wickets.
The result means South Australia's winless run now stretches to 18 Shield matches, but they can hold their heads up high after producing a brave effort.
Chasing 345 for victory off 70 overs, the Redbacks were on track after moving to 3-255 in the 55th over.
But the loss of Ferguson (123 off 154 balls) and Tom Cooper (47 off 69) within six balls of each other killed off SA's victory hopes.
Their dismissals sparked a massive collapse, with WA players celebrating wildly when Adam Zampa (37 off 31 balls) hooked David Moody to fine leg to end the contest.
WA's Ashton Agar provided the highlight of the day when he pulled off a stunning one-handed catch at point to dismiss Redbacks opener Henry Hunt.
"It's a great feeling.It was a really important one for our season," Kelly said.
"It's good to take wickets. But more importantly, it's good to contribute to the team. It's really exciting four-day cricket when it pans out like that."
Earlier, WA veteran Shaun Marsh cracked an unbeaten 102 to lift WA to 6(dec)-205 in their second innings.
WA started the final day at 4-70 and needing some quick runs to ensure they could build a massive lead and give themselves enough time to bowl the Redbacks out.
Marsh, who was on 32 overnight, ensured the runs kept ticking over.
Cameron Green (20) and Josh Inglis (1) were the only batsmen to fall in the morning session, with Marsh and Agar (45no) combining for a quick-fire 94-run stand.
Marsh's century came less than a week after he hit an unbeaten 101 to guide WA to victory in the one-day cup final against Queensland.
The Redbacks arrived in Perth without coach Jamie Siddons, who has been granted personal leave.
Siddons will also miss the upcoming clash with Tasmania.
Former Test batsman Greg Blewett has stepped into the head coach's role in the meantime, with support from high performance manager Tim Nielsen and bowling coach Luke Butterworth.
Australian Associated Press
