Wood-Sims was born at Ironville, Derbyshire as William W Sims, the son of Joseph W Sims a boiler plate roller at an ironworks, and his wife Alice.
He played a game for Derbyshire in 1878 against a 16-man Uppingham team, but his first-class debut was in the 1879 season against Yorkshire in July.
He ended his first-class career playing for North against South when he was bowled for 4 by W. G. Grace, but took four wickets in return.
Wood-Sims was a right-hand batsman and played 45 innings in 25 matches with an average of 12.04 and a top score of 46.
[2] Wood-Sims opened frequently for Derbyshire, although he tended to score more highly when dropped down the order.