A SPORTS mad Stourport man has battled back from four heart operations to stun team-mates with a seven-wicket haul.

Lloyd Roberts (below) took 7-58 for Stourport Seconds against Stourbridge to win our bowler of the week award, despite normally being a wicketkeeper and opening batsman.

Indeed, the 36-year-old had never bowled in the Crusader Worcestershire League before his side's narrow 12-run Division Three victory last Saturday, a result achieved with only eight players due to availability.

Having been dismissed themselves for just 122, Stourport's total looked under threat until Roberts got among the batsmen to help skittle them for 110.

His achievement is even more heroic, given he has only recently returned to action after surgery in May to have a metal heart valve fitted.

"It's the first time I have bowled," the IT teacher said. "We only had eight players so we just said we would give all the other guys a go. The opening bowlers opened the batting. I normally bat at three or five and keep wicket so I had a bowl.

"I bowl in the nets so they know I can bowl a bit but I have never bowled on a Saturday before as I keep wicket.

The right-armer added: "I had heart surgery in May. I had a metal valve fitted and I have only just got back to playing.

"I have made a pretty miraculous recovery. I played 18 holes of golf after seven weeks."

Roberts, who has also been known to play rugby, golf, football and squash, was born with a heart valve defect and had to undergo surgery at the age of seven and again when he was 14 and 23.

The Woodbury Road resident was introduced to cricket in his late 20s and admits to sometimes getting a little carried away with himself.

"I work really hard on my cricket," he said. "I have only been playing seven or eight years.

"I don't mind blowing my own trumpet if I ever get runs so I can be pretty unbearable. They (team-mates) had their heads in their hands when I clean-bowled their opener.

"I think it's probably because I had these difficulties with my heart I relish the chance to play these sports. I just love playing sport and I really enjoy myself."

n This week marks the end of our cricketers of the week for another season.