Sunday, 13 September 2026

Charles Ollivierre

For those who like to read about the Derbyshire players of yesteryear, there is a terrific article by 'Old Ebor' on Charles Ollivierre, the first West Indian to play county cricket.

He was a Derbyshire star at the start of the 20th century and also turned out for Glossop

You can read the article here and it is well worth your time.

Here, as promised below, is Ollivierre when he played at Glossop. The photo was kindly sent to me by former Derbyshire bat Keith Mohan, who also played at Glossop for many years. It also contains Arthur Morton and Sam Cadman, who both became county stalwarts.

Cadman was later county coach and recommended Keith to the then Derbyshire coach, Denis Smith

at

8 comments:

  1. Anonymous13 September 2026 at 07:54

    Thanks for this, Steve. I have read about Charles Olivierre previously and I know his double century at Chesterfield led to our achieving probably the most amazing victory in our history.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Peakfan13 September 2026 at 08:09

      Yes, that win over Essex was remarkable ...all in three days despite a triple and double century in the game!

      He is a terrific writer, worth following

      Delete
    2. Anonymous13 September 2026 at 22:35

      Thanks Steve. This is Chapel Guy. I understand that there is a plaque at Glossop cricket club to Charles Olivierre

      Delete
    3. Peakfan13 September 2026 at 22:42

      No bother CG. Keith Mohan, who also played for Glossop for many years, sent me a photo which contains Ollivierre and several other Glossop players who played for the county

      I will try and find it and post it tomorrow

      Delete
  2. Anonymous13 September 2026 at 15:18

    Thanks for this article.

    I’d never heard of Charles Ollivierre, but it reminds me of the story of Arthur Wharton the first Black professional footballer, who also became the first such player to feature in top-flight football and equalled the world record for the 100-yard dash.

    These sportsmen achieved so much in the face of many difficulties.

    To my knowledge there were eight other West Indian players who have played for the county.

    The first player I can remember was Lawrence Rowe. He was later followed by Ron Hedley, Michael Holding, Ian Bishop, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Wavell Hinds, Ravi Rampaul, and Chesney Hughes.

    Does anyone know if there are any others?

    Dre.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Peakfan13 September 2026 at 17:01

      There were 2 who came over to play for Swarkestone and work in the sugar industry . Michael Frederick played a Test for the West Indies in 1954 having played two matches for Derbyshire in 1949.

      Laurie Johnson was a wonderful, forcing middle order bat throughout the 1950s and early 1960s. A traditional style West Indian player who took a few years to get going on English wickets but then became a highly admired asset to Derbyshire

      Delete
  3. Anonymous13 September 2026 at 20:05

    Thanks for the information. Dre

    ReplyDelete
  4. Martin Edwards14 September 2026 at 10:43

    Thanks for linking to this article, which is utterly fascinating.

    ReplyDelete

Please remember to add your name. Avoid personal comment at all times. Thanks!