Lebrun nearly misses the boat

posted by John Winn

In my recent piece about Charles Ollivierre I mentioned that second to Charles in the batting averages for the 1900 tour of this country by a West Indian team was Lebrun Constantine, father of Sir Learie Constantine. Lebrun had the distinction of being the first West Indian to make a century in England  and to give such a notable feat extra polish it was at Lord's against MCC. Lebrun made 113 before being dismissed by WG Grace in a ninth wicket partnership with WJ Burton from British Guiana, a partnership of 162 added in an hour.

On his return to Trinidad, Constantine Snr married Anaise Pascall and their first child Learie Nicholas was born on 21st September 1902. The next tour to England was in 1906 but Lebrun could not make the trip because of financial and family commitments. Probably with a heavy heart he made his way to the dockside at Port of Spain to wish the players bon voyage. Also there, and on the same mission, was self -made wealthy merchant Michael Maillard who on hearing that Lebrun could not afford to make the trip sent him home to collect his baggage, purchased the necessary clothes, kit and luggage but by the time this had been achieved the ship had sailed. Showing some of the characteristics that had made him a successful business man Maillard hired a launch which caught up with the steamer before it reached open waters. Lebrun was on his way.

The tour proved something of a disappointment with 13 of the 19 matches granted first class status but only 3 of the these were won. The most remarkable such victory was at Harrogate when an understrength Yorkshire XI were beaten by 262 runs. Playing in the match was a younger brother of Charles Ollivierre, Richard, who took 11 wickets in the match including 7 in Yorkshire's first innings when they were bowled out for 50. Lebrun finished third in the tour batting averages but was the highest scorer and Richard top of the bowling with 58 wickets. It was unfortunate that some of the toughest matches were early in the tour and the visitors' disappointing performances in these quenched public interest in the games.

What Lebrun said to Anaise when he got home after being away for nearly three months is not recorded. Let's hope he had the opportunity to explain before he left that he might be a bit late.