TRU-JUICE FC started the Jamaica Football Federation Championship (formerly Tier II) in style with a 5-0 win over first-time qualifiers Petersfield FC at home in Bogwalk, St Catherine, on Saturday.

Tru-Juice, who were semi-finalists last season, were led by a hat-trick from Sivon Thompson, with Colieke Richards scoring a late double, while there were also wins for another semi-finalist Racing United, newcomers St Bess United, Faulkland FC (who were relegated from the Jamaica Premier League last season), and Portlanders FC.

The game between Falmouth United and Reno FC, set for Elleston Wakeland Centre in Falmouth, was not played as the field was not prepared.

Thompson equalled his total of three goals last season in his first game, scoring in the 27th, 31st and 47th minutes for Tru-Juice.

Richards, who had four goals last season, scored in the 84th and 87th minutes to complete the route.

Tru-Juice played with 10 players from the 55th minute when Dayshaniel Russell was sent off after he got his second caution of the game and was sent off.

Racing, who had topped their tables after the first round last season, also started with a 2-0 win over Gray’s Inn in a game during which both teams ended the game with 10 players.

The two goals came late in the game, with Jevaughn Cole scoring in the 66th minute and Tevin Gray scoring the second goal 15 minutes into time added in the second half.

John Christoff Pringle of Racing, and Armoni Jones of Gray’s Inn were both sent off in the 76th minute.

Faulkland FC made a winning return to the competition but were made to work hard for their 1-0 win over Hopewell United at Orchard Playfield.

Travis Gordon came off the bench to score the winner in the 85th minute for Faulkland, who won the first staging of the competition two seasons ago.

St Bess United won on their debut, beating Brown’s Town FC 1-0 at Drax Hall, with Rajay Wright scoring the winner in the 65th minute.

Calvin Baxter scored a double to lead Portlanders FC to a 3-2 win over Meadforest FC at Lynch Park to avenge their 3-0 loss to them last season.

The game got off to a fast start with Baxter giving Portlanders FC the lead in the first minute before Junior McGregor equalised for Meadforest FC in the fourth minute.

Rodari Edwards gave Meadforest FC the lead in the 37th minute but Travon King brought the home team level in the 42nd minute, before Baxter completed his double with the winner in the 77th minute.

Baptiste Alliance came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Chapleton Maroons at Turner Oval in Clarendon.

Assarney Fuller gave Chapleton the lead in the 27th minute but Damion Anderson equalised for Baptiste in the 40th.

Chapleton’s Junior Lynch was shown a red card deep into time added at the end of the second half.