Bannister said while the windy weather played a part in Sunday's trial, it was the first match for everyone this season. It allowed the management group to observe if they had missed anything or if a "potential bolter" could be unearthed.
"Players travelled from afar afield as Auckland and Hawke's Bay for the day," said Bannister.
"Having Smith there was a testament to what we are building as a group, with a significant effort on building a culture that Wanganui players want to be part of."
Bannister "genuinely believes" they have some good talent and can already see improvements from when the training group came together a month ago.
On the day, the 'Blue' team, captained by Fraser, were dismissed for 131, after allrounder Fraser Kinnerley, just back from England, took five wickets. He was the only bowler to send down 10 overs.
Young opener Chris Sharrock top scored with 33, although not at a quick pace, while Fraser (15) and Nick Blundell (21) made the only other real contributions.
Wanganui are looking for settled batting and the 'Black' team, led by Collier, strung together a couple of promising-looking partnerships at the top of the order, with John McIlraith (15), Carroll (34) and Collier (30) all getting starts.
Black batted through to 169-5.
The 13-man Wanganui team will compete this weekend in Twenty20 matches against Horowhenua-Kapiti, Manawatu and Upper Hutt.
Chapple Cup will be in Napier, starting on Friday, October 17.
