Skipton v Otley 13 October 2018
Saturday, 13th October
Adjudicators: PL, JK
Timing: 10:35 and 12:10
Prices: 1.28 and 1.30
Only two Adjudicators braved the wet and windy conditions, the third preferring to watch some artificial horse riding in Bingley. On the journey to Skipton, the river Aire had to be crossed three times, a fact that most travellers probably fail to notice.
The conditions exposed the weaknesses of the Skipton Pie, which was only ever-so-slightly warm. The crust might have been slightly overdone and dry in the opinion of one Adjudicator……and the small meat content, which had been appreciated in the heat of the summer, caused some resentment on a day which required some serious sustenance. The offering was also deemed to be a bit on the bland side…..a serious defect in a product which had previously impressed with its taste-to-size ratio.
As the Adjudicators returned to the car park, one of them refused to recognise that a river was flowing alongside the canal, insisting that google only showed a canal…..and even accosting local dog-walkers, demanding verification that the river was indeed a river. The other Adjudicator left him to it.
Half-time drinks were taken in The Bowling Green, in Otley, but on this occasion, no horses were spotted going through red traffic lights.
The Otley pies were still standing in their individual containers/moulds, and before being handed over, had hot liquid jelly poured into and over them. They were piping hot, and the Adjudicators had to consume them slowly, torn between their desire to wolf down the tempting product, and fear of burning their palates……which are still required for the play-offs. The meat content was significantly more substantial, and well seasoned. The crust was firm but not overdone…….and the late addition of the liquid jelly, appeared to have simply reduced any potential dryness, without allowing the jelly to form.
Post-match drinks were once again taken at The Royalty, overlooking England’s highest airport, and where the altitude appears to enhance the taste of the Staropramen.
Despite the temperature of the pies, and even with unanswered questions about the pros and cons of the Late Jelly Technique, the Adjudicators were nevertheless able to quickly agree that on the day…….Otley deserved the points.
And that put paid to Skipton hopes of a play-off place, leaving Ilkley to face Cleckheaton, in the PLC Semi-Final.
The SF line up is:- Pateley Bridge v Birkenshaw Cleckheaton v Ilkley And I think it fair to add, that all four teams have fully earned their places in the play-offs, performing consistently, over the course of this long and demanding season, and that all Adjudicators are looking forward to the remaining games. May the Best Pie Win.