2019 PL Challenge Cup Round 1 - Knaresborough v Ripon

Adjudicators: JK, PL, IW (part-qualified)

Timing: 10:40 and 11:50

Prices: 1.00 and 1.40

The game was contested in very difficult conditions, with the driving rain hardly letting up, from start to finish. In between huddling in semi-sheltered spots, to scoff their pies, the Adjudicators faced challenging driving conditions, as they crossed from Dale to Dale, along roads submerged under standing water.

But it also saw the first outing of the season from the part-qualified Adjudicator, still ambitiously searching for full Adjudicator status. In Knaresborough, he immediately proved his worth as a look-out, spotting the only available parking slot in the most convenient car park.

The Knaresborough Pie was warm, but kept so by artificial means……..and this led to some spillage of the still liquid jelly. The pastry was assessed positively, and one Adjudicator found the meat content subtly seasoned in a more than satisfactory manner. The other Adjudicator considered it good…….but was perhaps less discerning of the subtleties. The candidate displayed a poor palate….claiming the offering was tasteless.

Half-time drinks were taken in The Royal Oak, in Ripon, where the Adjudicators were able to quickly and professionally approve the beers, loos and outdoor facilities.

The Ripon Pie was still naturally slightly warm…….it offered a crust that was tasty, and almost “shortcakey” in texture. The meat content was nicely seasoned, and though there seemed to be a lack of visible jelly…..it was nevertheless an adequately juicy offering.

The candidate immediately awarded his vote to the Ripon Pie……because “it was salty”. His aggressive attitude must have influenced one other Adjudicator……who quickly agreed that the Ripon Pie was the winner. The remaining Adjudicator was not convinced by their assessments…..but aware of the rule that where there is a split decision between the Adjudicators…..a part-qualified can act as tie-breaker…..he was powerless to influence the decision.

However, I would take this opportunity to reassure those of you who might be worried about a possible decline in Adjudicator standards……..that the candidate failed to pass his PLA Part 2, as his judgement needed to accord with the majority of participating Examiners. And, steps will be taken to ensure that on the candidates next participation, three fully qualified Adjudicators will be in attendance.

Post match drinks were taken at the Crown, in Pateley Bridge…..a detour which the adjudicators were forced to make, to satisfy the demands of the non-participating Adjudicator…….to pick up a freshly done bacon joint………..unfortunately, on the day……no more bacon joints were available.

For those interested in such matters, I can add that all the Yorkshire rivers viewed today, were flowing strongly. And the Wharfe at Otley looked particularly healthy, as it flowed at some pace, at a higher-than-normal level.