This Black History Month, we look back on the fascinating story of former Northamptonshire fast bowler, Les McFarlane and his unlikely rise to the heights of professional cricket.
Born in Portland, Jamaica, Les moved to England and competed in the Northampton Town League across the two decades of 1970 and 80. Forming part of the much-feared United Social bowling attack alongside brother, Carl, Les went on to play First-Class cricket for Northamptonshire, Lancashire and Glamorgan.
Considered genuinely quick with ball in hand and alarmingly threatening on pitches with character, Les forged an excellent reputation across the county alongside his brother and fellow West Indian cricketers in club cricket and was awarded his first-class debut against Surrey at The Oval in 1979. Les’ undeniable speed and aggression with the ball endeared him to supporters in a season where he picked up thirteen first-class wickets.
Whilst a long-term career with the Tudor Rose did not materialise, Les’ exceptional minor counties form saw him take 62 wickets in the 1981 season for Bedfordshire, leading to three seasons spent at Lancashire. After 35 appearances at Old Trafford, Les concluded his professional career with Glamorgan, fittingly playing his final first-class match against Northamptonshire at Wellingborough School in 1985.
Taking 102 first-class wickets across his career, Les returned to the county where his cricketing life began and continued to challenge batters in club cricket. After spells with Bedfordshire and Staffordshire immediately after retirement, he helped Old Northamptonians lift the County League Title in 1994.
In his post-cricketing life, Les was a regular attendee of Former Players’ Day for Northamptonshire and was a hugely popular figure around Wantage Road long after his playing days concluded.
Everyone connected with the Club were saddened to learn of Les’ passing in 2019 and it is vital to look back and celebrate his unique pathway to first-class cricket. From taking wickets alongside his brother on the Racecourse to bowling in tandem with Sarfraz Nawaz at The Oval, Les McFarlane represented Northamptonshire with character and class throughout his time both at The County Ground and as a cricketer.