Rugby at Letchworth and Hitchin was hit by the big freeze but it had been a different story prior to the ice and frost.

The Hedgehogs had been visited by RFU president Nigel Gillingham as part of his visit to the county.

During a whole day visit, Gillingham watched mini rugby from the U7s, U9s and U11s followed by youth games for both boys and girls.

The experience was rounded off by Hitchin Ladies beating Bury Foxes in Championship Two Midlands under the floodlights.

In between the games and training he spent time talking to children, parents, coaches, senior players and the volunteers that make the club tick.

He said: "I've had such an enjoyable time. It’s been fantastic to see so many youngsters enjoying the game in a great spirit followed up by a high-quality ladies' match.

"The enthusiasm of all the players and volunteers of this great community club will be a lasting memory."

The ladies' 15-5 win moved them up to fourth in the table.

Hitchin started well, putting Bury under pressure after the kick-off and went very close before taking the lead through Claire Crompton who shrugged off several defenders after some quick hands through the backs.

It was 10-0 by half-time despite spending 10 minutes with 14, winger Temi Akingbade finding a way through for the second unconverted score.

A red card for a high tackle reduced Bury to 14 permanently, the tackle preventing another Akingbade score, but the visitors rallied and a succession of Hitchin penalties saw them march up the pitch and eventually score a try of their own.

But Hitchin were determined to have the last say and after some fine attacking phases, substitute Olivia O’Connell capped off a much-improved performance.

Stevenage Town had their first game in several weeks and they took their time to settle into the contest.

When they did though, they were able to grind out the result in a contest that could have gone either way, a late converted try giving them a 19-10 win over Epping Upper Clapton in Herts Middlesex Merit Table Two.

Weather permitting, Letchworth will host Chingford on Saturday while Hitchin play Datchworth.

Hitchin's seconds are at home too against Stevenage while Hitchin's ladies go to Shelford on Sunday for a league and cup double-header.