No more Mr Nice Guys for Firebirds

Wellington coach Anthony Stuart has asked his Firebirds squad to be less friendly in the upcoming first-class season.

The Firebirds wrap up their preparations with the final day of a three-day trial match at the Basin Reserve today.

The match appears destined to peter out to a draw after Michael Parlane's XI compiled a solid 329-7 yesterday.

But Stuart is urging the trialists - vying for selection against Northern Districts on November 12 - to fire up.

"We've spoken about that. I believe that the sides in New Zealand probably are a little bit too friendly on the park," Stuart said.

The former Australian fast bowler, in his second year as Firebirds coach, said he wanted players to continue to develop a tougher mental attitude on the field.

"It's a hard thing to put your finger on because guys know each other and obviously you don't want to disrespect other people.

"If you're not that way inclined, it's hard to actually change.

"But if I played a game where I was playing against a guy I played club cricket with, or even state cricket with, if I was playing a trial game, I was who I was, and I hated them.

"I hated them for that day but at the end of the day I'd sit down and have a chat and then I played with them the next weekend.

"It was almost like State of Origin rugby league.

"I'd like to see that a little bit more from us."

Parlane XI openers Sam Fairley (90) and Luke Woodcock (56) kicked on from their overnight scores yesterday with Karori batsman Stephen Murdoch (57) also posting a half century.

Grant Elliott, whose pre-season has been affected by a back problem, was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3-18 from 13 overs of medium pace.

Jesse Ryder (2-16) and spinner Mark Houghton (2-37) were also effective but the pitch held few demons and James Franklin did not bowl. Elliott XI openers Matthew Bell and Jeremy Dean were relatively untroubled in reaching 60-0 at stumps last night.

Meanwhile, contracted Wellington medium fast bowler Kevin Forde won't bowl for three months after scans revealed a minor stress fracture in his back.

Wellington trial match

Grant Elliott's XI 204 and 60-0, Michael Parlane's XI 329-7 dec (Sam Fairley 90, Stephen Murdoch 57, Luke Woodcock 56. Elliott 3-18)