IT IS a decade since an Antigua-born fast bowler called Robert Hartman Joseph first came to the attention of Kent County Cricket Club.

Back then he was just 15, making a name for himself as a strike bowler for Sutton Valence School near Maidstone, yet now, at 25, a wiser, more confident Joseph is preparing for the most important season of his career to date.

Joseph is more relaxed in his St Lawrence surroundings nowadays, he prefers to be called Robbie and capably mixes studying for a second masters degree with training four times a week in winter and his full-time cricket career come the summer.

Joseph has made big strides in terms of fitness and technique going into a 2007 campaign that may yet separate Robbie the man from Robert the boy.

"Every season is a big season but yes, this is possibly the biggest season yet for me and I’m not about to play it down," said Joseph. "Amjad is missing, that’s dreadful for him but that also means there’s a position in the side to be fought for.

"My body feels good, as I’ve done more work during the winter than ever before. I’ve been to the gym at least four times a week since October, changed my diet and on average I’ve run at least 18 to 20 miles a week."

With fitness and self-belief in good order, Joseph now appears prepared to carry a heavier load of bowling responsibility on his broader shoulders.