Cullingworth v Birkenshaw 5 September 2018

Adjudicators:  PL, JK

Timing: 10:45and 12:20

Prices: 1.20 and 1.20

The Match Day proved to be a grey, breezy and damp one. But the Adjudicators do not shirk their responsibilities, and ignoring the inclement conditions, were hopeful of tasting some quality pies to make their onerous duties more bearable.

Unfortunately, Cullingworth opened with what was a fine-looking pie, but soon proved to have a very dry and hard crust, which gave both Adjudicators hiccups. The jelly, which might have softened this, appeared to be largely lacking, and though the meat content was substantial, well seasoned and tasty, it failed to compensate for the shortcomings of the crust.

With The George no longer opening at 10:00 for breakfast, the Adjudicators took their half time drink at the Heathfield Farm, and prepared themselves for the Birkenshaw offering. They were lucky to catch two of the last four remaining pies, as the shop was clearly on the verge of closing for the day……and encountered a still slightly warm pie, with a very tasty, almost flaky crust, and nicely seasoned juicy meat content. From the first bite, the decision was never in doubt……and Birkenshaw were unanimously awarded the points. Post-match drinks were taken in The Pear Tree, where one Adjudicator was stunned to see that England were still batting, and had managed to score over 300 runs. This result means that in the PLS, the play-off places will not be decided until the final game between Harden, and the thus far undefeated Cleckheaton.

The Adjudicators spent the afternoon watching the film, Hurricane, in the Showcase Cinema at Birstall, which showed how a handful of gallant Poles defeated the might of the Luftwaffe, and saved this country from the heel of the jackboot…….only to be denied their part in the post-war Victory Parades for fear of offending the muscovites. The Poles, of course, are not ones to bear grudges