The Rosellas cracked the half-century in a nine-tries-to-two 52-12 thrashing of the Bulldogs, who suffered their first loss since May 28.

Kurri opened the scoring after just five minutes but conceded 28 points before crossing again shortly after the break. Wests then posted another four converted tries in the closing half hour. 

The round 14 result means the Rosellas (19) maintain their share of second position on the Newcastle Rugby League ladder and reduce the points differential margin with Souths (19) to just four after putting 40 on Kurri. Wests are now +86 and the Lions are +90 with two rounds remaining.

“It was the win we needed and we racked up the points, which was good for our confidence,” Rosellas coach Steve Storrie said. “But the most pleasing thing was only conceding 12.”

On the other hand fifth-placed Kurri (15) seem locked in a two-way battle with Coalfields rivals Cessnock (14) for the last semi-final spot.

Bulldogs coach Phil Williams said his side, who had won five games on the trot, were hurting after the heavy defeat.

“That’s a reality check,” Williams said. “When you’re winning you tend to gloss over things you need to work on. There’s only a few bumps and bruises but I think its our pride that was dented.”

Mitch Cullen kick started proceedings with a try for Kurri in the early stages but Wests centre Brad Tighe, who was on the Gold Coast Titans roster last year, replied on his return from a hamstring injury to level the scores at 6-all.

Rosellas fullback Callan Richardson then collected his own grubber in the 16^th minute and managed to ground the ball after initially landing on his back.

Prop Jake Finn collected his fifth of the season and second-rower Matt Herman, in his 100^th first grade game for Wests, helped to make it 22-6 at half-time.

Hooker Chris Knight, back-rower Peter Mannion, ultility Mark Farrar, winger Ryan Lamb and centre Simon Williams all registered second half four pointers.

No.7 Jade Porter kicked six conversions after five-eighth Sam Keenan, who left the field with a re-occurrence of an ankle injury, slotted the first couple. Kurri’s other try scorer was Joel Harrison in the 50^th minute.

Elsewhere, fourth-placed Lakes (18) stayed in touch with the top three with a 28-16 victory over Central Newcastle at Cahill Oval on Sunday.   

The Seagulls led by 18 at the break but Central rallied and crossed either side of another Lakes try to make it 24-10.

There are no matches scheduled this weekend.