Promotion hopes brought down by slack tackling

The Midlands side's big pack made ground consistently, aided and abetted by some less-than-testing tackling from the Hoppers.

An early Quantrill penalty put the home side in front and Hoppers struggled to win worthwhile ball.

An injury to hooker Chris Evans did not help matters and it was not long before Quantrill was again on target.

When Hoppers did get a useful ball they demonstrated the frailties of the home defence as Gary Mongahan broke free.

Support was on hand with Chris Glynn providing their final pass to put Steven Fee in for a try. Martin Emmet converted.

Indiscipline then cost Hoppers dearly as Micheal Bailey was cautioned and Quantrill kicked his side back into the lead from the resultant penalty.

Centre Irwin was allowed to score a try as Hoppers failed to make a tackle and the half-time lead was seven points.

Birmingham soon got into gear after the break with tries from Quantrill and Russell.

Both were converted to give the home side a comfortable margin.

A Salisbury try midway through the half was also converted to increase the lead.

Irwin then claimed a second try and with ten minutes remaining Hoppers looked to be in for a real drubbing.

Instead Hoppers hit back. Good approach play involving Fee, Hill, Bailey and Boyd set up the position for Micheal Lough to score under the posts.

Glynn then converted.

It was not long before hoppers were back in the attack.

Again the home side had no answer to Gary Mongahan and this time the centre's pass allowed Iain Bruce to out-pace his marker.

Chris Stewart was next to cross the home line but a foot in touch earlier in the movement ruled out the score.

Instead Birmingham regained control, allowing Quantrill to complete the scoring with a late penalty.

Next Saturday Hoppers entertain Wharfdale. Kick of is at 3pm.

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