He began his career in the Derbyshire Second XI in 1971 and played matches in the John Player League during the 1971 season.
His debut first-class game during the 1973 season, a defeat against Warwickshire.
Later in the season he played against the travelling New Zealanders, as Derbyshire finished 1973 with a mere two victories.
He continued in the first team until 1979, scoring a half century in his final County Championship game in 1979.
He was a right-handed batsman and a wicket-keeper Cartwright played in the Final of the Tilcon Trophy in 1977, and, for Bassetlaw and District Cricket League, in the 1987 LCC President's Trophy final.