The Mudcrabs were defeated 6-5 by Defence Warriors in the decider at Port Macquarie on Sunday.

It is the second time Mudgee have been runners-up in the fourth division final. They were beaten in the 2013 decider.

If Mudgee had won, it would have been the club's second consecutive state title following last year's victory in the mixed open division one.

But it was a touchdown to the Warriors in the final minute that prevented Mudgee from creating history.

The Warriors shot out to an 2-0 lead before an acrobatic touchdown by Anthony Lang and a length of the field intercept by Jeremy Doherty levelled the scores.

Twice more the Warriors had a two-touchdown lead and twice more Mudgee fought back with touchdowns to Corbyn Selwyn, Matt Miles and a second to Lang.

But with the clock in the final minute, the Warriors managed to sneak their way over the scoreline to grab the lead and claim the title.

It was Mudgee's second loss to the Warriors for the tournament following their defeat to them on day one.

Mudgee finished the tournament with 4 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses.

Their wins included Dubbo and Parkes, and a draw with Orange.