BLACKBURN edged the battle of the promoted sides as Leigh continue to struggle with the step up to North One West.

Leigh are still looking for their first win of the season after going down 24-15 at home, falling to their seventh straight defeat.

Rob Drake scored the opening try of the game for Leigh on four minutes, cancelling out an earlier Blackburn penalty after diving over near the corner flag.

Unfortunately he was unable to convert from a tight angle and the visitors were back in front inside 10 minutes and ran in three converted tries before the break.

Trailing 24-5, the home side came out all guns blazing and were soon rewarded for their efforts when Elliot Ryan dummied his way through for an unconverted try.

Leigh went on to dominate possession in the second half but were only able to score one more try through Kieran Duffy.

They remain third bottom but will be hopeful of breaking their duck this weekend when they entertain basement club Broughton Park.