State Wellington Firebirds coach, Vaughn Johnson yells at his young charge, 'Come on Gilly, put some effort in, don't lose your focus'.

It's Tuesday morning and Mark Gillespie and Andrew Penn are going through their paces under the watchful eye of Johnson. The fast bowling duo are bowling off reduced run-ups as they ease their way into their work.

Gillespie has just arrived back from a playing stint in the England for the Caldy club in the Liverpool and Districts League, with some success - 400 runs at an average of 43 and a high score of 121, coupled with 26 wickets, with a best bowling of 6-41.

The author jokingly suggests the standard of cricket can't be too high, to which Gillespie is quick to respond 'Oh no - the standard is pretty good, about Hazlett Trophy level'.

Caldy is a club Gillespie knows well, having spent a season there two years ago.

The League has some well known names, with a couple of Northern Districts batsmen, James Marshall and Neal Parlane prominent, as well as West Indian speedster, Marlon Black.

Gillespie came home before the season finished, as he wanted to ensure he was a full fitness when the domestic series got underway, and push for a spot in the seam bowling ranks.

When he left Caldy were in fourth spot with seven games remaining.

Gillespie was surprised with the weather in the area, with only one league game called off because of the climatic conditions, although he did play in Marshall's benefit game, which turned into a 30-over slog due to the persistent rain. His days were spent fairly leisurely, save for the daily visit to the local gym, as he was not working, and was intent on improving his fitness and stamina levels.

Last season was a frustrating one for Gillespie as injuries proved costly, limiting his bowling workload, and when he did make it back into the squad he was often twelth man, as the likes of Penn, James Franklin and Iain O'Brien were firing on all cylinders, as the Firebirds clinched the Shell Trophy.

This season should see Gillespie pushing for a spot in both the four-day and one-day competitions, as well as helping his promoted club side, North City prove their worth in the top flight, and 'keeping his focus' when under the tutelage of his coach.

© CricInfo