KINGSTON, Jamaica — Defending champions Cavalier SC and semi-finalists Montego Bay United registered their first wins of the Jamaica Premier League season on Monday, beating Arnett Gardens and Treasure Beach respectively.

Both teams had drawn their opening games in the previous weekend and are tied with Portmore United on four points, behind joint leaders Racing United and Chapelton Maroons, both on six points, all after two games.

Denzel McKenzie scored a first half double for Cavalier SC as they came from a goal down at Sabina Park to beat Arnett Gardens 3-2 as the losers were suffering back to back heavy losses while Jourdain Fletcher came off the bench to score a late brace and lead Montego Bay United to a 3-1 win over Treasure Beach at the Montego Bay Sports Complex.

In the first game of the double header in Montego Bay, Mt Pleasant FA were held 1-1 by Molynes United.

At Sabina Park, Arnett Gardens, who were ambushed 5-1 by Racing United in their opening game, took the lead in the ninth minute when Rushike Kelson scored from the penalty spot.

Cavalier SC, who had played out a 0-0 draw with Harbour View in their opening game, drew level, also from the penalty spot, when Jamoy Dennis scored in the 20th minute.

McKenzie then scored in the 39th and 42nd minutes to give Cavalier SC the lead going into the halftime break.

An own goal in the 68th minute from Jeovanni Laing cut the deficit to one goal, but Cavalier SC held on to get the first win of the season.

In Montego Bay, the home team dominated from the start and should have put the game away early, but Treasure Beach, who had beaten fellow promoted team Spanish Town Police 2-0 in their first game, rallied to tie the game late before Fletcher produced his game-saving feat.

Jahmari Clarke, who was a goal-scoring threat throughout, got the opening goal in the 13th minute, and despite creating a number of good scoring chances, Montego Bay United were unable to add to the score.

Omari Brown, who was a second-half substitute, levelled the scores in the 85th minute and Treasure Beach looked set to earn their first point from Montego Bay United in the Premier League.

Fletcher, who entered play in the 62nd minute, restored the home team’s lead in the 89th minute when he converted a penalty kick after Triston Forde had handled the ball in his own area.

Fletcher then added icing to the cake when he dribbled from the half line, got past goalkeeper Mowey Morgan, who was well outside his 18-yard box, and raced away to score in an unprotected goal in time added.

Earlier, Mt Pleasant appeared on their way to their first win when Shaqueil Bradford came off the bench to give them the lead in the 52nd minute, but Marlon Pennicooke equalised five minutes later from the penalty spot.

— Paul A Reid