Defending champion Cavalier SC are hanging onto their title after battling to a 1-1 draw with Portmore United in the first leg of the Wray and Nephew Jamaican Premier League at the Stadium East on Friday night.

Former Kingston College star Ronaldo Robinson fired Portmore into a 26^th minute lead with a sweetly-struck left footed shot that sailed into the roof of the net from 20 metres.

But the defending champion, despite a below par display, are still in the tie as Jerome McLeary netted in the 35^th minute from a corner kick that pulled Cavalier levelled.

But despite their improved showing, Portmore United were lucky to have not fallen behind as the usually competent Dwayne “Busy” Campbell unbelievably side-footed over the bar from close range in the 89^th minute.

In the first encounter, Montego Bay United edged Tivoli Gardens 2-1 and take a one goal advantage heading into the return leg.

This game which started at Sabina Park but was postponed from Thursday night after 35 minutes because of faulty lighting, was completed at Stadium East facility.

Veteran strikers and captain Owayne Gordon gave Montego Bay a 56^th minute lead as his freekick from an acute angle, sailed past goalkeeper Nicholas Clarke, hit the crossbar then the upright on its way in.

Tivoli Gardens responded courtesy of Roshawn Oldfield in the 73^rd minute with a torrid low left footed strike that whistled past the outstretched hands of goalkeeper Davonnie Burton.

But just when it seemed both teams would have to settle for a draw, the ever-dangerous Jourdaine Fletcher popped up in minute 86 and slotted home for the winner.

The return legs are scheduled for Sabina Park on Monday as the organiser are confident the lighting issue will be solved by then.