Leighton has played most of his first class cricket since his debut in 2006 for Canterbury.  Recently he has made a move to Wellington.  He is an opening bowler who is more than useful holding the bat.

Leighton has taken over 75 first class wickets at an average of about 33.  He also has a good record in the shorter forms of the game averaging below 30 in both 50 and 20 over contests.