White Ferns run hot in freezing conditions

With steady rain and hail for most of last night we were holding our breath as to what the weather would do ... and we were not to be disappointed.

It was possibly the coldest day any of us have ever encountered and we quickly had to get into the mindset that with plenty of layers of clothing, and an extended warm up, things would come right. That theory did work - but every so often there was an unbelievable icy blast of wind or hail to give us an unpleasant reminder.

Thankfully New Zealand Cricket had arranged an additional wind jacket for us all and there was even a couple of pairs of thermal long johns (with a nice lace trim) on offer! These were quickly nabbed by Catherine (Campbell, alias Dot) and I - and although we looked ridiculous - we were so warm.

We won the toss and batted first on an exceptional wicket. The top order were in commanding form with Rollsy (Rebecca Rolls) scoring a quickfire 31, Debbie (Hockley), consistent as ever with 67 including some magnificent hits over cover, Haidee (Tiffen) a brisk 29 and Emily (Drumm) a magnificent and very complete innings of 116. The team is really thrilled for Emily who today scored her maiden One-Day International century for New Zealand - an outstanding feat and awesome to watch.

We reached a formidable total of 275-5.

Clare (Nicholson) and I opened the bowling attack (luckily I was down wind) and it wasn't long before Clare was in the action with a wicket.

Clare then picked up another quick wicket, that of Barbara Daniels. Rachel (Pullar) followed down wind and had instant success, picking up two wickets, both caught behind by Rollsy. England were 29-4 in the 17th over.

With some tight bowling England were unable to gather any momentum and finished at 110-7.

A fantastic result for the team as we look ahead to our next encounter against England on Tuesday in Timaru.

Hi to all our families and friends who are following our progress with interest - great to have your support.