KINGSTON, Jamaica — Racing United lead the Jamaica Premier League points table after the first round after hammering Arnett Gardens 5-1 at Stadium East, their first win over the former champions at this level.

Giovanni Cunningham scored a first-half brace for Racing United, who led 3-0 after 11 minutes and lead the table on goal-difference, on three points with Portmore United, who beat Dunbeholden in the first game of the double header, Waterhouse, Treasure Beach and Chapelton.

Racing managed two draws against Arnett Gardens last season, losing the other as they just failed to make it to the play-offs in their first season in the JPL.

The Anthony Patrick-coached team got off to a fast start with Cunningham giving them the lead after just four minutes, Nickyle Ellis made it 2-0 a minute later, before Tajay Grant scored a third goal in the 11th minute.

Cunningham completed his brace in the 34th minute as Racing United led 4-0 at halftime.

Rushike Kelson came off the bench to score for Arnett Gardens in the 68th minute, but Tyrone Mullings restored Racing United’s four-goal margin with a goal deep in time added.

In the first game, Portmore got off to a winning start with second-half goals from substitute Marques Reid in the 65th minute and Ronaldo Robinson in the 81st minute.

— Paul Reid