LEIGH East inflicted the first defeat of the season on NCL Division Two leaders Millom to close the gap to the table-toppers to just two points.

They bounced back from defeat against second-placed Featherstone Rovers last time out to win 32-20 at the Sports Village and tighten their grip on third place.

The home side went in front after only five minutes following a try from Jacob Sinclair, which was converted by Adam Holland.

Another try from Sinclair, again converted by Holland, doubled their lead before Millom grabbed one back on 27 minutes through Lee Postlewaite.

Jonny Hodgson converted Millom's effort and Owen Myers went over for the visitors at the end of the first half to bring the game back to within 2 points at the break.

The Cumbrians struck first in the second half through Warwick Carter on 58 minutes and Hodgson's conversion put them further in front.

The lead then changes hands a number of times as Alan Lantry responded with a converted try for Leigh on 65 minutes before Chris Warren hit back for the visitors.

But East seized control in the final 10 minutes when Lantry scored two more tries to complete his hat-trick and after Hollands maintained his 100 per cent conversion record he sealed the victory with a late penalty goal.

Leigh's next match is at home to fifth-placed Blackbrook a week on Saturday.