Broughton got off to a flying start when Andrew Tainsh raced in unopposed under the sticks with an interception try. Sibling Gavin stepped up to add the extras.

It was an early double whammy for the seasiders when, just three minutes later, Ryan McKnight breached the whitewash to send Broughton halfway towards an extra bonus point.

Twelve minutes had elapsed when a tremendous rolling maul deep inside the Portobello half trundled towards the line and from the mass of bodies on the deck in the dead-ball area, Captain Craig Wishart came up with the ball to put Broughton 0-17 in front.

The blustery wind at the exposed Cavalry Park ground offered little or no overall assistance for either side who both showed why they were both strong candidates for promotion this season.

The hosts were offered a boost to narrow the scoreline midway through the half when Andrew Tainsh was offered a ten minute rest by the Referee for an alleged infringement at a tackle.

Portobello finally got themselves on the board in the 33rd minute when a line out turned into a rolling maul and the sizeable home support finally had something to cheer about.

On the stroke of half time, a stunning solo run by Neil Armstrong saw the Ulsterman race from inside his own 22 and deceive some ineffective home tackling to score and brush off the challenges of frustration from the two Porty lads who got their as quick as they could.

HT: Portobello 5-22 Broughton

The second half turned out to the poor relation of the opening stanza with broken play and broken bodies a factor in a fractious period.

Portobello made the early running as they looked to close the gap and they were rewarded with their second try of the afternoon in the corner.

It was a game of two halves as the Cavalry Park men dominated in stages however it was a sterling defensive display from Stuart Thomson's side that kept Porty at bay until the 73rd minute.

The pacey Porty backs were once again on hand to distribute the ball for a further score tight up against the flag in the corner to set up a grandstand finish.

Broughton soaked up the pressure well and with just moments left on the clock, they looked to put the icing on the title cake with one final push. Andrew Tainsh and Stuart Hagen chased down the Porty full back who, appreciating his side were running out of time, decided to embark upon a mission from behind his own posts. The pair 'sacked' the unfortunate No.15 and before the scrum could take place, the final shrill of the whistle sounded and Broughton were crowned BT East 2 Champions.

FT: Portobello 15-22 Broughton

The presentation of the League Trophy will take place at our final game, which is at Wardie on Saturday 4th March against Dalkeith, 3pm KO.