In front of a crowd of 1344 at the Butts Park Arena, which the club had secured a 125 year lease on, during the week, the vistors struck first with a Rob Connelly 16th minute try converted by Simon Hunt.
James Hall went over for a try for Coventry in the 27th minute and five minutes later, Simon Hunt scored a try for Birmingham which he duly converted.
Henno Ventor scored a second try for Phil Maynard's side in the 37th minute but back came Birmingham with Rob Connolly going over in the 40th minute to see Coventry trailing 19-13 at the break to a side they have twice beaten in Championship fixtures.
In the second half, Coventry's pack were much tighter. They reduced the arrears to one point thanks to a 44th minute Ben Russell penalty and a 53rd minute try from Phillip McKenzie. In the 57th minute, the visitors were awarded a penalty which Simon Hunt converted and Birmingham and Solihull ran out 22-18 winners.