In 1933 he played for the second XI. He made his first-class debut for Derbyshire during the 1934 season, in a match against Hampshire, when he took a catch and scored 13 in the first innings. He averaged over 20 in his first season, hitting two half-centuries and made his top score of 80 against Worcestershire in 105 minutes.
In 1933, he participated in Derbyshire's second XI match. His professional career started during the 1934 season, when he took a crucial catch and scored 13 runs in the first innings against Hampshire. He demonstrated impressive batting skills, averaging over 20 in his inaugural season, including two half-centuries and a top score of 80 against Worcestershire.