The Red Dogs form has been inconsistent this season, with gaps in defence proving to be a problem for the Telarah-based team.

But all that was left in the past on the weekend in front of a vocal crowd at Coronation Oval, with the Red Dogs running out victors in a one-sided affair.

Coach Shawn Humbles said his team’s defence was rock solid, while strength in attack saw them pile on a string of tries.

The victory against the competition’s cellar dwellers was an important one for the Red Dogs, who were in danger of slipping completely out of contention for a semi-final spot.

“We needed to win it to keep in touch with the semis,” Humbles said.

“(Waratah Mayfield) have been scoring some points against other teams but we blew them off the park.

“Our attack was great, our forwards went forward all day while our defence was rock solid.”

Centre Andrew Roberts scored a hat-trick of tries for West Maitland, while hooker Ben Threadgate put on a run from dummy half to add his own try to the tally.

Second rower Dylan Connelly picked up the players’ player points after a solid performance, which saw him taking the ball forward all day.

The Red Dogs went into the match refreshed after drawing the bye the week before.

“The bye was good for us to get rid of our niggling injuries and get everyone back on track,” Humbles said.

“We’ve just got to take it week by week now and try to win every game we can.”

However their campaign to reach the top five was hampered on Sunday, with “workhorse” Ben Massie dislocating his shoulder in the final minutes of play.

The injury is expected to keep him sidelined for several weeks.

West Maitland will have another chance to boost their semi-finals chances this weekend with a clash against eighth-placed Windale.