ANY hopes Hoppers may have had of pulling off a shock victory to give them a chance of avoiding relegation were soon extinguished.

Hoppers had to face a strong wind at the start but it was a dreadful defensive error which allowed the visitors to take a fifth minute lead with a try and conversion.

Further scores in the shape of two more tries, a conversion and three penalties followed and by half-time New Brighton held a 28-0 lead.

Hoppers did assert themselves after the break and scored three good tries, two by Oliver Viney and one for Steve Gough who also landed two conversions. New Brighton's points came from two penalties.

Hoppers will, therefore, drop out of the national leagues for the first time.

In their remaining two matches they visit Liverpool St Helens on Saturday and host Fylde on April 17.

They have the chance to restore some pride at the end of disappointing season.

Grasshoppers 19 New Brighton 34