TURN the clock back to March 2003 and Ryan ten Doeschate was at a crossroads in his life.

Having recently graduated with a Business Science degree from the University of Cape Town, the 22-year-old was struggling to make an impact as an aspiring young cricketer with Western Province.

A career as a full-time professional looked unlikely - until Essex arrived in South Africa for their pre-season tour.

“Tendo”, as he is now fondly known all over his adopted county, impressed the tourists with his all-round skills and boundless enthusiasm for the game.

Indeed, such was the impression made by the Port Elizabeth-born youngster that the county flew him over and offered him a contract three months later.

Half-a-decade on and ten Doeschate’s big hitting, skiddy seam bowling, athletic fielding and friendly approach has made him a hero among Essex supporters.

Now 28, the all-rounder admits he cannot believe how his life story has panned out.

“I sometimes have to pinch myself. I probably wasn’t even going to be a professional cricketer before Essex spotted me five years ago,” he admitted.

“Sometimes when you are watching someone like Danish Kaneria bowl or facing him in the nets, you have to give yourself a reality check.

“However, one thing I have learned is that you cannot respect guys too much. When I came into the game, I froze up a bit playing against guys like Shane Warne.

“So you don’t want to get too caught up in it, but it is obviously an awesome experience when you play with and against some of the best players in the world.”

While he is a fine cricketer, the ten Doeschate characteristic that stands out the most is his approachable character – he is always willing to stop to sign an autograph, pose for a photograph or discuss Essex’s fortunes with fans.

He has even become penpals with one young disabled Essex supporter after being introduced to him last season.

For ten Doeschate, whose mother does charity work in his native South Africa, such behaviour comes naturally.

“It’s a great job as it is and you have to enjoy it - if you don't enjoy something, it’s not worth doing,” he added.

“I try and enjoy every moment. I love cricket and I love this club so I can’t help but smile and throw myself into it 100 per cent.”

That certainly goes for life on the pitch, where ten Doeschate has played a central role in helping Essex reach Twenty20 Cup Finals Day for the second time in three seasons.

And the Netherlands – Tendo has a Dutch passport – player claimed the present season could top anything he has achieved in his burgeoning career – even his eye-catching performances at the 2007 ICC World Cup.

“The World Cup was slightly different in that we weren’t really competing, so as good as experience as that was, it wasn't as rewarding as winning things with Essex,” he claimed.

“In my brief career, the two Pro40 trophies (in 2005 and 2006) have been massive, as was Finals Day last time around (in 2006).

“This season, we’ve got two massive chances of winning a trophy that would be the highlight of my career – the Twenty20 or the Friends Provident Trophy, which is slightly bigger than the Pro40, I’d say.”

Indeed, such is ten Doeschate’s desperation to taste success that he puts winning trophies with Essex far ahead of winning a place at the moneybags Indian Premier League on his list of personal priorities.

“It might be in the back of some guys minds, but for most of us it’s about winning trophies first and foremost. Personally, I haven’t thought about the IPL too much,” he said.

“It’s fantastic for guys like Napes (Graham Napier) who have put their names in the hat, but for me it’s about winning a trophy or two this year.

“That would be a fitting reward for all the hard work I’ve put in.”

>ESSEX are 7/2 third favourites to lift the Twenty20 Cup tomorrow.

Semi-final opponents Kent are the 5/2 favourites, with Durham 3/1 and Middlesex the outsiders at 15/4.

For the semi-final , Essex are 6/5, while Kent are 4/5 odds-on favourites.