Northamptonshire have signed fast bowler Lesroy Weekes on a two-year contract – subject to confirmation of his England-qualified status.

The 29-year-old former West Indies ‘A’ paceman, born in Monserrat, has lived in England for the past six years, carving out a successful career in Yorkshire league cricket.

He appeared for the Tykes in their first-class match against the touring West Indians at Headingley in July of this year and impressed with a 6-56 haul in the first innings, although the county side still lost by ten wickets.

Weekes has also represented Leeward Islands and currently works as a coach at Sheffield Hallam University.

"Curtly Ambrose has been Lesroy’s mentor over the years, and directed him towards us rather than anywhere else,” said Northamptonshire’s Chief Executive, Stephen Coverdale.

"He is a fine cricketer, and assuming all the registration issues are settled we anticipate him doing a good job for the club.”

Weekes becomes Northamptonshire’s first signing of the close season, with a new overseas player to replace Matthew Hayden for 2001 remaining high on the agenda.

Northamptonshire batsman Mark Powell landed the ECB’s award as Second XI Cricketer of the Month for August/September.

The 19-year-old Loughborough University student topped the county’s averages in the second team competition with 711 runs at 39.50, and his good form was rewarded with a first-class debut in the final County Championship match of the season against Worcestershire at New Road.

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