Skipton v Ilkley
Saturday, 19th May
Adjudicators: JK, PL
Timing: 12:00 and 12:30
Prices: 1.28 and 1.30
Due to unforeseen events, which resulted in the late arrival of the Adjudicators, and one Adjudicator’s requirement for a visit to the gents on arrival at Skipton, it was decided to take a pre-match drink at The Castle, and delay kick-off until noon.
As the Adjudicators sipped and appreciated their pints, in their usual discerning manner, appreciative of the warm sunshine, they also noticed that the outdoor seating area was not as rowdy as on their last visit……..BUT…..the arrival of a gang of wedding bound handy looking kilted men, suggested that at some point, this would be remedied.
After their disappointing opening game, Skipton rang the changes, and introduced pies hitherto unknown to the Adjudicators. These came nicely warm, and were noted as being on the smaller side, but with a tasty crust, and a pleasantly very lightly salted and lightly seasoned meat content…….the jelly was in that intriguing state of turning from runny to nicely solidifying. This was a much improved performance…….and the Adjudicators wondered how the self-styled Kings Of The Wharfe would respond.
In view of the late kick-off, the Adjudicators passed on half-time drinks, and drove straight to Ilkley, (where they joyfully noted the return of The Egg Wagon), and quickly moved to their duties.
Ilkley have been one of the most consistent of competitors…..and they produced the usual good looking, warm pie, noticeably bigger than the Skipton contender, and robustly salted and seasoned. The jelly was still very liquid, and one Adjudicator failed to spot the defect in the crust, which caused him to lose most of it……on the first bite. This was a game of two contrasting Pies…..both very good indeed, but offering different attractions……..and the discussions continued well into the post-match drink at The Hermit………BUT….on the day…….the Adjudicators favoured The Castle. Was it the better Pie? Or, was it home advantage that swung it……..with the first tasted on a hungry belly, always close to the heart? Was it down to that pre-match aperitif? Was it down to the weather…..with the heat favouring the smaller more delicate pies? Who knows……….in every sport there are upsets……because as we all know, in sport, on the day, anything can happen. All that matters in Skipton and surrounding villages……. is that The Castle are back in contention.