With his side at 9/165 and needing six runs to win, King hit the first ball he faced for two and then dispatched the second for a four and victory after eclipsing City's total of 170.

"Harry will be bragging about that for the next six months," Wests skipper Mitchell Fisher joked.

"That was a really good, tight game of cricket. I'm just glad we got the win because it would be hard to take losing such a close game."

City's Todd Francis was the hero of the day in a beaten team top scoring with 67 and taking 5-39 despite limping heavily after injuring his leg in a fall mid-wicket while taking a quick run early in the match.

"He nearly single handedly won the game for them yesterday," Fisher said of Francis' performance.

Francis' inning, which included seven fours and two sixes, along with a valuable 39 from Michael Heinrich in his first game of the season helped City to 170.

"Todd is a very good cricket player, he is very smart with the bat and the ball. He was player of the year last year and he definitely deserved it. He is definitely one of the best in the comp," Fisher said.

Both sides were missing key players, but it did not detract from what was a heavyweight battle between the top two teams with plenty of twists and turns throughout the two innings.

"It's always a good battle against City. Probably the last 10 years, certainly since I've been around Wests versus City has always been a big clash with some really good cricket," Fisher said.

"It was very close game, we had Luke Keely and Mick Rees out who are two of our best players, but City was missing players as well and it doesn't take away from the quality of the game.

"The next game will be one to look forward to and then we're likely to meet them in the finals as well."

City were missing leading paceman Tim Baker and spinners Francis and Nick Bower (2-68 off 17) bowled the bulk of the overs making regular breakthroughs after an initial stand of 60 by Wests openers Tom Irwin and Zack Gayfer.

"Once again Tom and Zack got us off to a good start to set a good platform for the run chase. I think every time this season they've put on more than 50 for the opening partnership," Fisher said.

Irwin top scored with 57 and Gayfer made 25. Aaron Mahony with 24 and Geoffery Keppie-Watson were the other major contributors to Wests total.

Fisher was the pick of Wests bowler taking 4-47 and running out Karl Bowd with a superb direct hit off his own bowling.

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