The very much in form Nick Carruthers delivered the knockout blow to the hapless Hawks who failed to soar.
His stellar season just got even better with a magnificent 150. The run machine plundered 9 boundaries and 4 stunning sixes as the Hawks took flight from the onslaught.
His vast array of powerful strokes entertained the crowd immensely as the barking Bulldogs surged to a record total of 5-427.
It was a wonderful day for the Doggies batsmen with all making solid contributions. Mark Stoneman and Daniel Solway gave the side a useful start with a handy 74 run opening stand. Solway fell for 28 and Stoneman was dismissed for a classy 47. Zeeshaan Ahmed flew into the Hawks.
The visitors had no answer to the rampaging Ahmed whose 83 contained 8 sizzling boundaries and a massive six. Daniel Nicotra chimed in with a handy 20 while Ben Taylor added 45 not out in an entertaining hour at the crease.
Just when the Hawks thought Bankstown had done enough damage, in came Jarrad Lysaught to add to their woes.
He delighted the crowd with 3 towering sixes in his 25-minute stay at the crease adding 39 not out.
Bankstown declared with enough time to capture a wicket and it was Matt Bursa who did the damage with a fine catch behind by Matt Simpson. The Hawks were 1-15 at stumps.
When play resumed on Sunday, the Bulldogs dominance continued unabated. The quicks were totally in charge as the visitors collapsed to be 4-89.
A fighting stand ensued but Ben Taylor wore down the Hawks batsmen with 3 well deserved wickets.
Tushaar Garg rattled the lower order with some ferocious bouncers and the Hawks capitulated for a meagre 177. Matt Bursa took 3-52 with two more catches to the ever-alert Simpson while Ben Taylor bowled with plenty of flight and guile to capture 3-33. Keeper Simpson had a field day and finished with four fine catches. Nicotra grabbed two beauties and Stoneman hung onto a very sharp one as Bankstown prevailed. Hawkesbury were asked to follow on and were 5-101 at stumps. Matt Bursa was again a handful for the Hawks with 2-19.
Next Saturday the Bulldogs take on Penrith in a two-day fixture at Memorial Oval commencing at 10.30am.
