MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Renardo Barrett scored a hat-trick as Technical Strikers opened the Manchester FA/Jamalco Division One competition with a 3-1 victory over Clandon Strikers at the Kirkvine Sports Club on Sunday.

Barrett got his goals in the ninth, 40th and 53rd minutes, while Andre Campbell scored Clandon’s consolation in the 26th.

Starz Academy also made a winning start to their campaign, blanking 360° 2-0. Shanniel Givans got both goals for Starz in the 21st and 32nd minutes.

In the other games played on opening day, NCU and Star Zone ended 2-2, while Mandeville United needed a last-gasp goal from Christopher Green to earn a 1-1 draw with Plowden FC, for whom Kemar Griffiths opened the scoring in the 28th.

Meanwhile, title-holders Hillstars FC and Downs FC continue to set the pace in the Magnum/Captain’s Bakery Major League competition, following contrasting victories at the weekend.

Hillstars, on 29 points, blanked Georges Valley 2-0 to move nine points clear of second-placed Mile Gully, who could only manage goalless with Comfort FC. Third-placed Georges Valley stayed six points adrift of Mile Gully, following their fourth defeat of the season.

Former champions Downs (28) consolidated their place at the top of Zone Two, following a 7-1 thrashing of Porus FC. The victory keeps them four points clear of second-placed Ricam Academy, who, on 24 points, have a game in hand against basement team Land Settlement.

Alligator Pond, on 23 points, kept in touch with the top two after earning a 2-0 win over Villa United.