‘CD’ Williams, who won two Welsh rugby caps, played in six matches for Glamorgan during 1944 and 1945.
Educated at Canton High School and Cardiff Technical College, he made his Glamorgan debut in 1944 against the National Fire Service at Cardiff Arms Park whilst an undergraduate of Merton College, Oxford. He played in two further matches in 1944, as well as three more in 1945, in addition to playing for Glamorgan Colts.
In 1946 Derek made his first-class debut as he played for Oxford University against Gloucestershire at The Parks, but it was an inauspicious game for him, and his fellow students, as Derek made 3 and 0 as the students were defeated by an innings inside two days. Later that summer he also made his bow for Glamorgan 2nd XI and for the next few seasons, mixed playing St.Fagans CC and Cardiff CC with playing for the Welsh county’s second string..
Whilst reading Chemistry at Oxford, Derek also won a boxing Blue and during 1948 he was one of the young athletes who ran into Wembley Stadium carrying the ceremonial torches for lighting the flames at the London Olympics. The Glamorgan authorities had hoped that Derek would turn out for the county after graduating from Oxford, but he opted instead in taking a doctorate before pursuing a career as a chemical engineer.
Between 1949 and 1950 Derek also played Minor County cricket for Berkshire, besides further developing his rugby career. He had already played for Oxford University and Cardiff, whom he later captained, besides ging on to win a couple of Welsh rugby caps each against France. Having made his debut at Colombes in 1955, the back row forward played again on his home turf at the Arms Park in 1956 and late in the game scored the try which clinched the Five Nations title for Wales. Derek also played rugby for Penarth, Neath, London Welsh, Berkshire and The Barbarians.
Derek also played cricket for the Glamorgan Nomads and, later in life, was a member of Radyr Golf Club, besides serving as President of Cardiff Athletic Club.
WILLIAMS, Dr. Charles Derek .
Born – Cardiff, 24 November 1924.
Died – Cardiff, 19 September 2014.
Batting and Fielding Record:
| M | I | NO | RUNS | AV | 100 | 50 | CT | ST | |
| Wartime | 6 | 7 | 1 | 74 | 12.33 | – | – | – | – |