Needing only eight runs on Saturday morning to win first innings points, the Daniel Solway-led Bulldogs’ collapsed to lose the last five wickets for just six runs.
With the sides tied on the first innings with 138 totals, it set the scene for an exciting day’s play.
The Wests’ batting line-up fared much better in their second innings, and it took the wily bowling of English import George Balderson to shake up the Magpies.
Balderson’s figures of 4/40 off 13 overs were the key to pressuring Wests into a very sporting declaration at 8 for 167.
The challenge was for the Bulldogs to chase 168 in 26 overs on a very steamy afternoon at Bankstown Memorial Oval.
Led by captain Solway with 63 not out, the Bulldogs forged their way to outright victory in the final over with 4 for 173.
Solway was well supported by Brendan Smith (35) and youngster Ryan Freedman (26).
The win moves the Bulldogs inside the top six but they will need to be at their best as they confront the unpredictable Fairfield-Liverpool in a Limited overs fixture at Rosedale Oval on Saturday.
