St Bernard’s still searching for first VAFA win under Mark Riley after loss to Old Trinity

ST BERNARD’S finds itself in unfamiliar territory after its third-successive loss to start the Victorian Amateur Football Association season on Saturday.

VAFA footy: St Bernard's V University Blacks at Essendon West. 54 for St Bernards Chris Hughes after kicking a goal Picture: Mark Wilson

ST BERNARD’S finds itself in unfamiliar territory after its third-successive loss to start the Victorian Amateur Football Association season on Saturday.

The reigning premier was beaten 15.7 (97) to 9.11 (65) by Old Trinity after giving the visitors a four-goal head start at St Bernard’s College.

St Bernard’s went goalless in the opening quarter and trailed by 24 points at the first break.

Zach O’Halloran, Tom Sullivan and Jacob Forder worked hard to get their side back into the game, but Old Trinity increased its advantage to 27 points at halftime.

St Bernard’s provided hope of a comeback in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 14 points after booting four goals to two.

But it was not to be for Mark Riley’s side as the Snowdogs went down by 32 points.

Essendon VFL-listed midfielder Jordan Schroder and Chris Hughes were also prominent for St Bernard’s.

Alex Polidoros was a constant thorn in the Snowdogs’ side, slotting five goals.

The Snowdogs sit ninth on the ladder after three rounds, with St Kevin’s and Old Carey also still searching for their first wins of 2016.

St Bernard’s travels to Sportscover Arena to face Old Melburnians this Saturday.

Old Melburnians will enter the clash in strong form after disposing of Old Carey by 77 points on Saturday.

In other Premier Division results, Uni Blues claimed bragging rights over rival Uni Blacks with a 14-point win.

Old Xaverians downed St Kevin’s by 40 points away from home, while De La Salle kept Collegians to two second-half majors in a 16.15 (111) to 11.11 (77) victory.