Brighouse v Cleckheaton 17 March 2018

Adjudicators: JK, AB

Timing: 10:15 and 11:45

Prices: 1.40 and 1.30

Only two Adjudicators braved the blizzard conditions, but were rewarded with a thrilling encounter between two much improved teams.

Brighouse opened very strongly, with two pies kept warm from an oven-type thing. The Adjudicators quickly found some shelter from the biting wind, and driving snow, to start the game, and were immediately impressed by the Brighouse offering. The team had clearly worked on earlier weaknesses, and there was no sign of the excessive salt, which had marred the previous performance. But they had retained their strengths……though on this occasion, due to the heat of the pie, the jelly was very liquid, and one Adjudicator spilled his, at the first bite.

The pastry was not over crusty, though one (picky) Adjudicator felt that the juice had made it over soft, (strange…..as he had spilled most of it). The meat content was at least adequate, and was of a medium texture….far from the “luncheon meat” smoothness occasionally encountered, but not reaching the coarse thick mix favoured by some. The Adjudicators were more than pleased with the improved performance, and felt that Cleckheaton would struggle to avoid defeat.

Half-time drinks were taken at a traditional venue….The Shoulder of Mutton, in Bradford…….and Adjudicator AB was finally able to put to bed a question which had been plaguing him for a full week…….the name of the street on which we often park……turned out to be Dale Street.

The second half exploded into action, with Cleckheaton overturning all expectations. The pie was still warm, and the crust was one of the best encountered, firm but not hard, nicely glazed, light and almost flaky…….much improved from the previous game. The meat depth was substantial, and was of a slightly coarser or thicker texture than that of the opponents. Nicely seasoned, it lacked the “unusual” taste of the previous performance. The only negative aspect identified by the Adjudicators, was the possibility that it was over-salted, but not enough to weaken the overall performance.

But……despite these very favourable impressions, the Adjudicators were mindful of the noteworthy qualities of the opponents……and could not reach an immediate decision.

Discussions stretched into the post game drink, taken at The Black Horse Hotel, in Low Moor, where the Adjudicators were also distracted by the presence of a Pictorial History Of Bradford……which filled their hearts with sadness…..as they gazed upon the beauty and grandeur which had been destroyed in the Fifties and Sixties.

Eventually, with time running out, (a verdict has to be reached before the pints are consumed)…….and an unexpected draw looking increasingly likely…….the Adjudicators finally reached a unanimous verdict…….and Cleckheaton were awarded the narrowest of victories.

Congratulations to Cleckheaton, who came from behind, to get their noses in front, just before the final whistle. Don’t give up Brighouse……you showed enough quality today, to suggest that you’ll soon be winning games.