The Pie League 2019 - 2019 PL Challenge Cup Quater Finals

Adjudicators: JK, PL

Timing: 10:20 and 12:00

Prices: 1.32 and 1.40

The acute shortage of fully qualified Pie League Adjudicators was once again highlighted, when a still convalescing post-inguinal right groin hernia operation Adjudicator was forced to overcome the continuing discomfort, to both drive and adjudicate because the elderly Adjudicator was unable to perform his duties on two consecutive weekends.

We would encourage ALL Pie Eaters to take the trouble to undergo the admittedly rigorous PL Examinations and become fully qualified and accredited Adjudicators, to ease the load, and allow the extension of the area of competition. In particular, we would welcome younger applicants, who would be able to deal with the stressful demands of adjudicating on a weekly basis.

The Adjudicators arrived in Skipton on a beautifully sunny morning, and with the initial chill giving way to some warm September sunshine, the Skipton streets were full of good natured folk, out and about on their business, seemingly unaware that a PLCC QF was about to get underway.

The Adjudicators were immediately surprised that the Skipton Pie was not warm. This had been one of the Skipton strengths, and without the fresh warmth, the pie seemed very average. True, the crust was firm, with a flaky / crumbly texture, and the meat content was pleasantly though lightly seasoned, with some still soft jelly adding some gentle moisture. BUT…….the Adjudicators had come to expect a better offering, and held out little hope that this would be capable of overcoming whatever The Bridge, (undefeated in any PL game), had to offer.

Half time drinks were taken quickly in the Devonshire, before the Adjudicators set off for Pateley Bridge.

The SatNav Lady took the trouble to make the morning more interesting by selecting a route via Embsay and Barden Tower, one with which both Adjudicators were unfamiliar, but one which proved to be scenic and interesting…..marred only by cyclists…….either crawling uphill on narrow windy lanes, or speeding downhill, four abreast, into blind corners.

In Pateley Bridge, the Adjudicators were pleased to note that the water meadow was still full of flowers, though perhaps with less variety of colours than it has achieved in earlier months.

The Pateley Pie was a bigger and better looking offering, but it too was already well cooled down. And, very quickly, began to draw comments on how salty it was. Indeed, by the time the Adjudicators were close to finishing it……..both were complaining that it was over-salted, and was proving difficult to eat. Unwilling to make any rash decisions, and mindful of the excellence of previous Bridge performances, the Adjudicators chose to delay the post-match pint, and final verdict, until they reached The Royalty off Otley Chevin. But try as they might, they could not justify any other decision than a Skipton win. Ultimately, regardless of appearance, size, jelly quality, crust or content texture, an over-salted Pie is a loser.

This result will send shock waves throughout the Pie League Community, but once again, it proves that past glories count for nothing, and the Adjudicators will judge the merits of the Pie on the day.

And…….this leaves the 2019 PLCC wide open. With all four top teams from the 2018 PLN and PLS season now eliminated, some pundits are predicting that the trophy is likely to end up in the hands of one of the new teams introduced this season……..and that the winner of the upcoming Tadcaster v Ripon tie might well go all the way.

But…….no game next weekend……..all three Adjudicators are hoping to attend The Saltaire Festival.