HULL Dockers guaranteed their position in the Conference Premier – at local rivals Skirlaugh's expense – with an 18-18 draw against East Leeds.
The Green and Whites needed to avoid defeat to stay up, and with Skirlaugh suffering a sorry 70-10 defeat at second-placed Wath Brow Hornets, it meant the Holderness side suffered the drop.
Dockers took an early lead in emphatic fashion at the Willows, as powerhouse prop Rich Dougall sprinted 60m downfield to score under the sticks. Andy Kay added the conversion.
After both sides were reduced to 12 men for 10 minutes after a brawl, East Leeds equalised through John Carter's scurrying run and Thomas Sheldrake's conversion on 35 minutes.
Kay kicked a penalty on the half-time whistle as Dockers took an 8-6 advantage, and the home side extended their lead in the first minute of the second half.
Paul Fletcher crashed over from close range for 12-6 after capitalising on an early mistake from the visitors.
George Clark's converted score levelled things up on 65 minutes to set up a tense finale.
However, Liam Reid finished off a fantastic move to put Dockers 18-12 ahead.
Joey Walkin's late score denied the hosts a final day victory, but a draw was enough to see Dockers remain in the top division for another season.
•Follow rugby league news with the Hull Daily Mail
