The big freeze might have meant that a lot of sport was cancelled but there was still plenty to entertain.

Budding Robin Hoods and William Tells enjoyed an archery tournament hosted by St Mary's Primary School in Saffron Walden. 

Sports co-ordinator Miss Driscoll said: "We played host to two schools and our archers were amazing, playing with accuracy and skill throughout the day.

"Our Year 4 team finished in first, second and third place and the first team also ranked first among the other tournaments held that day with a whopping 419 points.

"They will move forward into the next stages of the competition to be held in the spring.

"A huge congratulations to Frank Holyomes and Vivien Neupauerova who also took second and third place for best individual scores.

"It was a fabulous day of sports and every child represented the school with pride and a sense of achievement."

Saffron Walden Rugby Club also saw some action.

With the first team game against Shelford called off, the seconds played against their Cantabs counterparts and secured a come from behind 29-24 victory.

Max Skingsley picked up where he left off a week earlier with an unconverted try but it was to be the only score they managed in the first half, turning round 19-5 down.

Strong words were had at half time and they looked a different outfit in the second period.

Monty Garrett was the first to score in the corner as the ball off the top of an attacking line-out was spread across the backs.

Cantabs hit back with a good try of their own but with Walden enjoying most of the territory and possession in the last quarter, the home side roared back.

Paul Marshall took a quick-tap penalty to catch the visitors out and they levelled the scores through the forwards, Preston Hamlette getting the score.

The winner came with three minutes to go after a Cantabs clearance only went to halfway.

Garrett again joined the line and used his pace to beat one defender running before dummying a pass to winger Rob Booth on his outside and going over himself.

The full-back was named man of the match alongside Marc Walker, who normally plays on the wing but found himself as a flanker and then hooker but still put in some great tackles.

Grange Farm & Dunmow Runners were also in action as they hosted the first fixture in the Mid Essex Cross-country league on Sunday on a very frosty, minus-five degrees course surrounding the Flitch Way.

And the hosts enjoyed a superb result with Sarah Williams finishing as first lady, helping the squad take the team prize.

The men’s senior team managed to claim second place while the two veteran teams ensured the season started in great fashion with wins also.

There had been slightly better conditions when Saffron Striders' Neil Halls, Ian Scott and David Martin raced the St Neots Half Marathon, all finished with credible times.