LEIGH RUFC suffered their sixth defeat of the season, this time at home to Blackburn.

Home ranks were bolstered by the return of Alex Leadbetter, Rob Drake and Chris Boyle but Blackburn were quick out of the blocks, registering a converted drive-over try after three minutes.

A penalty from Drake narrowed the deficit and he was also try creator when he drew Ollie Farley onto a flat pass to scamper away, with Elliott Ryan converting.

Dominant Leigh were unlucky not to add to their 10-7 total before the break.

Blackburn came out in the second half with all guns blazing and Leigh lost influential number eight Chris Boyle with a serious head injury, which had a devastating effect on the team's morale as the visitors went on to record a 50-10 win.

Boyle suffered concussion, whiplash and cuts that needed stitches.

He was taken to hospital and has since been released but will not be available to play for several weeks.