Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

Lorenzo Ingram skies a shot during his whirlwind innings of 51 off 49 deliveries, for Tamar Lambert's XI, on yesterday's fourth and final day of the Jamaica trial match against David Bernard Jr.'s XI at Chedwin Park.- Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

Jamaica's cricket team, preparing for the regional league and one-day tournaments, is in top shape, said physical trainer David Bernard Sr. at the end of yesterday's third four-day trial match at Chedwin Park.

Final scores: Bernard's XI 243 and 284; Lambert's XI 333 and 197-5.

"If the competition was supposed to be played tomorrow, then we will be ready physically," said Bernard, who is also a cricket coach.

"Everything is falling into place. We saw some beautiful catches today, the running between the wickets has been good and the ground fielding has improved.

"So all in all it's showing signs that they are really there and that's where we want them to be," he said.

Despite these assets, Bernard Sr., like coach Junior Bennett and acting captain Tamar Lambert, believes the scores in the matches could be better.

"The scores may not be that high, but indications are that the players are doing quite well and we are happy at this stage of their physical fitness."

After Wednesday's final trial match - a one-day contest - the players will break for the Christmas holidays and according to Bernard Sr., this will be a welcome time-off in order to get rejuvenated to resume early in the New Year.

"The condition of the players is good and I am very satisfied.

"Apart from Andrew Richardson, who is coming in from the West Indies 'A' team with a back strain, I don't think we should be worrying over their fitness at this time."

Half century

Meanwhile, Lorenzo Ingram scored a half century to lead Tamar Lambert's XI to a five-wicket win over the David Bernard Jr. XI.

Set 197 to win, Lambert's XI, led by hard hitting from Ingram, who hit eight fours and two sixes in making 51 from 49 deliveries, and Shane Powell, 48, which included five fours and two sixes, put on 57 for the second wicket.

At the end, Bevon Brown with 23 (3x4) and Odean Brown 25 (3x4, 1x6) both shared in an unbroken sixth-wicket stand of 45, at less than a run a ball, to guide their team home.

Bernard Jr. ended with 3-42 while Jermaine Lawson, who was punished by Ingram, Powell and the Browns, took 1-51 from nine overs.

Earlier, Bernard Jr.'s XI resumed on 216-7 and led by the captain's unbeaten knock of 68 tallied 284. Dwight Washington, who has bowled consistently well throughout the trials, ended with 2-37.

André Russell and Dennis Bulli took 2-36 and 2-45, respectively.