By Finn Morton A close 24-22 loss to Easts at Bottomley Park has seen Wests drop to seventh on the ladder. After their fifth loss in a row, the Bulldogs will now hope other results fall their way across the final three rounds of the regular season as their finals aspirations hang in the balance. Heartbreakingly for the Bulldogs, their five losses have all been by seven points or less. Wests captain Jeremiah Lynch has been disappointed with the past few weeks, especially with the competition as close as it is. But Lynch is adamant that the Bulldogs are still in the fight despite their poor run of form. “I wouldn’t say it has ruined our season but the losses certainly have hurt," said Lynch. “We have been in the hunt in each of the games but a lack of patience has ultimately cost us in the last few games. “It’s always disappointing to lose a game at any stage but when the margin is less than seven and the competition is so tight, it only adds to the hurt