TRAMWAYS survived the drop in a dramatic round of fixtures at the bottom of division two in the York & District Table Tennis League.

An understrength Tramways were thrashed 10-0 by Bootham 'B' and were in real danger of relegation.

However, on the same night, rivals Holgate 'C' slumped to an 8-2 defeat at York RI 'E' and will be playing in division three next season.

Despite a good win for Rich Harrison against Martin Hood, Bootham 'C' were thumped 9-1 by Holgate 'B', while Shepherds 'A' finished their season in style by whitewashing Shepherds 'D' 10-0.

Shepherds 'C' needed a maximum from John Flintoft to secure a 5-5 draw against a battling Bootham 'D', while Mark and Luke Blackburn were undefeated as a two-man York RI 'D' defeated Shepherds 'C' 7-3.

In division three, under pressure Burnholme 'A' rose to the challenge and avoided relegation following a superb 7-3 win over BT 'B', Mich Slezak picking up his first maximum of the season.

This was followed up by a similar 7-3 triumph over bottom club Shepherds 'E', which ensured their safety. Thornton-le-Clay clinched the title as Alan Balmforth starred in an 8-2 victory over York RI 'G', who are relegated to division four.

Dave Norville and Nigel White led the way as BT 'A' thrashed Shepherds 'E' 9-1 and York RI 'F' finished the season in style with an 8-2 defeat of Holgate 'D', Ivan Guilliatt in top form.

Despite a shock 6-4 loss to York RI 'J', Holgate 'E' gained the point needed to clinch promotion from division four.

Young Mikey Arnold was in superb form for the victors, with an excellent three wins.

Champions Burnholme 'B' finished the season in style with a 9-1 thumping of York RI 'I'.

Wigginton & Haxby secured the third win of their debut season, moving off the bottom with a 7-3 defeat of Crescent 'G'.