2019 PL Challenge Cup Round 1 - Northallerton v Masham

Adjudicators: AB, JK

Timing: 11:30 and 12:30

Prices: 1.50 and 1.30

As the Adjudicators drove into Northallerton, they were pleased to see that every pub on the High Street was already open, and Northallerton’s Finest were already being delivered by taxi to these establishments, even though it was only just after 11am.

The High Street was lined with market stalls, stretching for miles, and pedestrians struggled to make progress on the pavements, which were full of dozy bears, lazily scratching their behinds, as they foraged half-heartedly for food after their shortened hibernation.

The High Street sports at least two butchers…….but the pies on display at the first one were particularly fine looking, with a nicely domed and glazed crust……and the Adjudicators decided there and then, that these would be representing Northallerton.

The pies were no longer warm, but the crust made an immediately favourable impression……particularly on one Adjudicator. The meat content was substantial, and the texture not unpleasant, though described as “a bit lumpy” by one Adjudicator. Both agreed that the meat content was only lightly seasoned……perhaps even a little bit on the bland side……..and both were a little bit disappointed by the lack of jelly.

Half time drinks were taken in The Golden Lion, which appears to have a glass covered, deep, dry, well, in the centre of the main bar room.

Masham had no cold pies left, and the Adjudicators made do with the ones being kept artificially warm. Initial reaction was positive, as the warm and well seasoned meat content provided a welcome contrast to the earlier pies. But then doubts began to creep in…….the crust crumbled and broke too easily, and was inferior in taste……one Adjudicator spotted that the top of the meat content looked slightly overdone, once he had bitten into the Pie. Once again, the Adjudicators were slightly disappointed by the lack of jelly………though in this case, the meat content was considered about adequately juicy.

Discussions continued over post-match pints, in The Bruce Arms. Eventually, with the clock ticking down, and the glasses almost empty, and no easy verdict in sight……….the Adjudicators decided that regardless of crust qualities, appearances, and prices……ultimately, the game should be awarded to the Pie which had given most pleasure with its meat content…..and that was Masham.

This proved a tricky contest for the Adjudicators…….and in some ways was a disappointing game, in that it did not fulfil it’s potential. Both Adjudicators felt that neither team had performed at their best. But……..PLCC games are all about doing enough on the day, to get through to the next round…….and Masham did just that.