Charles Ollivierre
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Charles Augustus Ollivierre (born 20 July 1876 in Kingstown, St. Vincent, died 25 March 1949 at Pontefract, Yorkshire) was a black West Indian cricketer who toured England in 1900 and later played for Derbyshire. Initially an all-rounder he later became only an occasional bowler.
Being from St. Vincent his chances to play in big cricket matches in the West Indies were limited. He actually made his debut in important matches playing for Trinidad against Slade Lucas's side in 1894-95 at the age of just 18. He toured Trinidad with A.B. St Hill's team in 1898-99 with much success.
He was an important member of the first West Indian touring side to England in 1900. Before the tour he was described as a "Fine all-round cricketer, best as a bat, clean and neat style, with good eye"[1]. On the tour he was top of the tourists batting averages and also performed as a useful bowler and fielder. He was "the best batsman in the eleven. He has stokes all round the wicket, and in some ways reminds one of Ranji. His 159 against Leicestershire was as good an innings as was played last summer. He was particularly strong in cutting and playing to leg, and I shall be much surprised if he does not develop into one of the best batsmen in Derbyshire, for which county he is qualifying"[2].
During the West Indies match against Derbyshire in July 1900 Ollivierre agreed to play for the county. This involved a two year residence qualification before he could play in the County Championship. He did not return with the rest of the team after the 1900 tour and in fact played a match for Derbyshire against 19 Colts on the 10th and 11th September when he opened the batting and scored 15[3]. During this period he played a number of friendly matches involving London County and touring teams. He eventually made his Championship debut on 24 July 1902 against Essex scoring 20 and 0. He had more success in the next match against Hampshire scoring 58 and 25 and later in the season scored an impressive 167 against Warwickshire and ended the season with 524 runs at an average of nearly 35.
He continued to play for Derbyshire until 1907 being a regular member of the side. 1904 was his most successful season with 1268 runs including a career high 229. This was a remarkable match in which Essex scored 597 with Percy Perrin scoring 343. Derbyshire replied with 548, bowled out Essex for 97 and won by 9 wickets. Ollivierre scored 229 and 92*. In all he played 110 first class matches for Derbyshire scoring 4670 runs at an average of 23.70. Problems with his eyes caused him to retire from top class cricket.
He was one of a family of cricketers which included his brothers Richard and Helon.
