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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