Cullingworth v Harden
Saturday, 7th April
Adjudicators: JK, AB
Timing: 10:15 and 11:40
Prices: 1.25 and 1.20
This local derby had been ordered to have an early kick-off, in an attempt to avoid the imaginary violence which had marred previous imaginary games……and the Adjudicators duly complied, accompanied by a Candidate, re-taking his PL1 Examination, after dismally failing his first attempt.
Cullingworth opened with a moderately tasty, and still ever so slightly warm pie, but one which drew some criticism from the Adjudicators. The crust, whilst tasty, was deemed dry……and the dryness was accentuated by the low jelly content, and reinforced by a disappointing meat to pastry ratio.
All in all, not a bad pie at all……….but displaying enough weaknesses, to give their opponents some encouragement.
Half-time drinks were taken in The George, which has moved to accommodate Adjudicator requirements, and begun to open its doors at 10am, at which time hungry chaps might be tempted to accompany their Morning Pints, with George’s Belly Buster Breakfast, priced at £9.95, and offering 3 Bacon, 2 Sausage, Beans, Mushrooms, Hash Brown (unneccessary, in this Adjudicators opinion), Grilled Tomato, 2 Eggs, Fried Bread, (the clincher), Black Pudding, Spam (interesting), and 2 Toast.
Though seriously tempted, the Adjudicators were too professional to succumb, and as the Candidate had no money…….he merely stared at the menu longingly.
For the first time, in PL history, the second half was delayed! No…..not by any imaginary violence…….but because the Harden Pies were still in the oven!! The Adjudicators and Candidate were promised that they would be ready within half an hour…..and three would be set aside for them. One Adjudicator took a shine to a fine looking Leg Of Lamb…….and promptly snapped it up.
The Adjudicators took to opportunity to revisit the George Hotel, but not before a visit to The Egg Lady opposite the The Ling Bob pub, where the Candidate purchased a half dozen hens eggs, and the other Adjudicator plumped for an equal number of Duck Eggs.
The second half opened with a nicely warm offering from Harden, which swayed the Adjudicators within the first couple of bites. Tasty crust, nicely seasoned and textured meat content of some substance, and enough juices to avoid any suggestion of dryness. The decision was swift and unanimous……Harden were deemed worthy winners. Additional pleasure was provided by the older gentleman, who arrived too late for his pie……and made conversation with the Adjudicators, in the vain hope that they might leave a morsel for him.
Post-match refreshment was taken at The Malt, (once known as The Malt Shovel), where the Adjudicators were pleased to award a PL1 Pass to the Candidate, which accords him Provisional Adjudicator status……and the right to participate in adjudication, though only whilst accompanied by two Fully Accredited Adjudicators. I’m sure we all wish him luck in his PL2, and subsequent achievement of Full Accreditation……..others may have easily been discouraged by failure at the first attempt, but this candidate has doggedly soldiered on……and is beginning to show signs of his full potential.
Congratulations to Harden, who had their squad trained to perfection for this game. But unfortunately for Cullingworth…….this defeat leaves them with a mountain to climb, if they are to progress to the next stages of the competition.