THE University of the West Indies (UWI) and Reno battled to an exciting 2-2 draw in their Red Stripe Premier League match at Mona Bowl yesterday.

Despite not winning, both teams are a point better off as UWI inched to 38 points and provisionally leapfrogged Arnett Gardens into fifth spot. Reno though still in the relegation zone in 11th on 23 points, are now just a point away from safety.

With both Arnett Gardens (37) and Tivoli Gardens (35) scheduled to meet in the late kick-off, regardless of the result, UWI will remain in a play-off position.

Having lost three of their last five games and searching for a rare win, the visiting Reno quickly fell behind as Courtney Allen gave UWI a dream start netting in the seventh minute. The Westmoreland team responded and were ahead with a header from Romone Plummer in the 26th minute and then a well worked team goal ending with by Javier Brown latching onto a through ball and slotting home in the 35th minute.

But UWI were not to be denied and Ryan Miller converted a free kick from just outside the box for a deserved share of the points.

Following 10th-paced Dunbeholden’s 1-2 loss to Mount Pleasant, Reno closed the gap on them to just a point behind with seven games remaining in what will be a real relegation dogfight.

Also in the mix are ninth-paced Harbour View and bottom-placed Montego Bay United who played to a 3-3 result. Harbour View are on 26 points, while Montego Bay are on 20 points. That equations means only six points separate the bottom four teams.

Teams:

UWI— Nicholas King, Michael Heaven, Deno Schaffe, Kareem Manning, Kemar Flemmings, Fabian McCarthy, Akeem Thenstead (Rochane Smith 76th), Ryan Miller, Nacquain Brown (Javoy Belnavis 36th), Dawyne Smith, Courtney Allen (Patrick Brown 68th)

Subs not used: George Brown, Andrae Bernal, Taniel McKenzie.

Booked: Kareem Manning 38th

Reno— Ackeem Brown, Lynval Wilson, Rondell Morris, Jashane Foster, Dwayne Foster, Renario Downswell, Shamar Bernard, Shamar Palmer ( Romero Graham 60th), Romone Plummer, Javier Brown (Michael Stewart 70th), Shane Bygrave (Olaoluwade Ladapo 66th)

Subs not used: Michael Stewart, Tariq Melvin, Andre Johnson

Booked: Lynval Wilson 22nd, Rondell Morris 43rd

Referee: Neressa Goldson

Assistant referees: Damian Williams, Mojolee Gayle

Fourth official: Odette Hamilton

Match Commissary: Martyn Lyn

— HOWARD WALKER