MARTLEY bowler Tej Uppal has crowned a memorable summer with a remarkable opening burst of 6-6 from nine overs.

The 47-year-old captain married wife Mina at the beginning of May and has celebrated the birth of his first child Arrun.

Uppal was in inspired form against Hanley Castle last Saturday, leading his side to an emphatic 185-run away derby triumph in Worcestershire League Division Four Second XI.

Uppal’s efforts have earned him the accolade of Worcester News player of the week and he wins a £25 Fearnley Factory Shop voucher.

He is the second Martley player to have won the honour in two weeks after Dom Buxton carried off the prize for hitting 132 runs in the villagers’ win against Himley.

It is the not the first time Uppal has been crowned Worcester News player of the week — he achieved the accolade in August 2013 after snapping up 7-22 against Hallow.

“It has been a really good year,” said Uppal.

“It was only my second match back after a five week break because my wife and I had a little boy in June.

“Our son arrived six-and-a-half weeks early and the first two weeks were crucial because Arrun was in a special unit at Worcestershire Royal. He’s now at home and doing fine and just over seven weeks old.

“My wife is very supportive and has encouraged me to get back into my normal routine and that includes the cricket. I suppose a five-week break from cricket was long enough.”

Rob Ganderton top scored with 61 and Darryl Lymer weighed in with 37 and, boosted by 69 extras, Martley rattled up 245-5.

Uppal then took centre stage with the ball, taking 6-6 from nine overs, including seven maidens, as Castle were shot out for 60.

“I have been playing for Martley for eight or nine years after I was introduced to the club through friends and this is my second full season of captaining the second team,” he said.

“It’s certainly the most economical spell I have ever bowled but my best figures remain 7-22 against Hallow.”