The Pie League 2019 - 2019 PL Challenge Cup Round 1

Adjudicators: PL, JK

Timing: 10:45 and 12:00

Prices: 1.40 and 1.30

Fittingly, the 2018 PLN Champions, and Grand Final winners, Pateley Bridge opened this seasons PL Challenge Cup competition, entertaining the 2018 PLN Runners Up, Ilkley, in what promised to be an exciting and competitive game……..on a strangely warm and sunny February day.

Unfortunately, the recent spell of warm weather appeared to have also brought the bears out from their hibernation, and the roads were full of our dozy old ursine friends taking their first drive of the year, causing some annoyance to the Adjudicators, as they tried to execute their duties in a timely and efficient manner.

Only two Adjudicators took the trouble to fulfil these duties, as the third felt that it would not “go down well” to adjudicate in the morning, and then watch international rugby in the evening. Make of that, what you will.

The Bridge opened with a cooled down, but solid and tasty offering. The crust was good, firm but not hard, crumbling easily with each bite. The meat content was substantial, nicely seasoned and well textured. As ever…….the professional performance that we have come to expect from the champions. One Adjudicator also took the opportunity to purchase a freshly cooked bacon joint, for home consumption.

Half-time drinks were taken at the Askwith Arms, in Askwith, recently reopened after 18 months closure, where the Adjudicators were warmly greeted, and brought up to speed with current progress.

ilkley responded with a warm pie, appreciated by the Adjudicators. But….as comparisons began to be made…….the pastry seemed inferior….perhaps a bit more doughy, was the view of one Adjudicator. The meat content was not as substantial, and perhaps slightly over-salted…..the jelly was still very liquid, and one Adjudicator, (though not one to blame his own clumsiness on a pie defect), managed to spill some down the front of his shirt.

As discussions continued over a post-match pint in The Yard…….it soon became clear that both Adjudicators were agreed……though both pies were good…..the Pateley Pie was the better pie…..and deservedly goes through to the next round.