It was the second time the sides had clashed in a Tamworth District Football first grade grand final in three years.

Saturday’s scoreline reversed the result of the 2016 decider and coach Andy Cygan said it was a thoroughly deserved win by Quirindi FC.

“To be honest, if it wasn’t for our keeper [Kameron Manks] it could have been six, seven to one. We didn’t create much and they wanted it more than us,” Cygan said.

“We spoke about being good in defence and we were bad. The things that could go wrong, did go wrong and we were second best by far.”

Fifteen minutes into the clash, Quirindi made the most of some early pressure when a Brodie King cross found a flying Chris Saunders who headed the ball home.

Gunnedah made sure the crowd would be in for a thrilling second half when they hit back at the 30-minute mark.

From a corner, the ball was knocked out of the pack and found captain Matt Williams.

He drilled a shot with his left foot to equalise and the score remained 1-all at the break.

Gunnedah FC had a couple early chances in the second half before Quirindi took the lead in the 51^st minute from a corner kick. Toby Allen headed home the goal.

Quirindi sealed the win with eight minutes on the clock through Brodie King.

Gunnedah FC lost Zac Crowhurst during the match after re-injuring his neck.

While the loss hurts, Gunnedah FC’s form over the past three years has been nothing short of phenomenal.

Along with three minor premierships, the team has also claimed a major crown.

And Cygan said there’s no reason why FC’s success couldn’t continue.

“We’ll have a good crack again next year,” he said.

“There’s five or six good 15-16-year-olds coming through. If we stick together we’ll be here again.”