Three months of studies at the University of Port Elizabeth International Cricket Academy in South Africa earlier this year appear to be paying big dividends for promising Somerset all-rounder Jacobi Robinson.

Nineteen year-old Robinson smashed a maiden ton (100 not out) in Somerset?s first innings against Flatts at Somerset Cricket Club on Saturday and followed up with an equally brisk 44 on Sunday, albeit in a losing cause as the West Enders? unbeaten streak was brought to a halt.

Robinson then polished off a fine all-round weekend performance by grabbing four wickets.

While the youngster is widely regarded as one of Somerset?s brightest prospects with the ball, he also gave a reminder that he can hold his own with the willow.

Robinson bettered his previous best score of 99 ? scored while playing for Bermuda at the youth level against the Cayman Islands in 2000.

?It?s a very good feeling. I have never felt anything like this in my life before,? exclaimed Robinson after joining an exclusive club of players to reach the milestone.

?I am really excited ? but I was a bit nervous when I was in the 90s. I kept thinking about when I managed to get on 99 against the Cayman Islands and got out. I just tried to remain composed and focused on my batting.?

In recent weeks, Robinson?s batting has come on in leaps and bounds, having scored 56 against Leg Trappers and 48 against Police.

So what does the youngster attribute his present good form?

?First and foremost I think a lot of it has to do with the academy (Port Elizabeth). It has helped me tremendously with the psychological aspect of the game,? he replied.

?I knew I had the ability to bat, but I always used to get ahead of myself and lose my head. Now I think I have matured more as a cricketer.?

Robinson is also making steady inroads to rectify his bowling action after coaches in South Africa detected a flaw in his delivery which resulted in injury to his lower back. The right-arm seamer has utilised a variation of seam, while occasionally reverting to spin so far this season.

?I think my bowling is coming along nicely,? he said. ?I am doing a bit of spinning now because at Somerset we don?t have too many spinners ? and that?s something else that I worked on at the academy due to my back (injury).

?But I have been seaming also this season and my footwork is improving.?

Having twice been a reserve in the Cup Match champions? team, Robinson hopes to finally make the big breakthrough this year, especially given Somerset will defend the cup on home clay late next month.

?That?s always been one of my goals,? he pointed out. ?My season so far has been alright, but it could still be better. I have set many goals and at the moment my batting is coming along. I have had to work extremely hard for wickets and things haven?t really been going my way.

?But I am confident that in time more wickets will come. And I?d rather peak around Cup Match time with my bowling because if I do make the team this summer, more than likely it will be for my bowling.?

St.George?s Cricket Club will host an Under-13 Youth Cricket Tournament at Wellington Oval on Saturday, beginning at 9.30 a.m..

Eight teams consisting of nine players and one reserve will compete in the round-robin competition. All matches will be 12-over affairs with each team receiving six overs to bat. The final of the inaugural event has been provisionally slated for Saturday, June 18 at Wellington Oval.