2019 PL Challenge Cup Semi Finals - Masham v Skipton

Adjudicators: JK, AB, PL

Timing: 12:25 and 14:05

Prices: 1.40 and 1.32

Kick-0ff was delayed, as the Senior Adjudicator insisted on watching England lose their RU World Cup Final match against South Africa. And this delay may have cost Masham dearly. By the time the Adjudicators arrived, only four pies were left, and as the Adjudicators snapped up three of them, they caused much consternation amongst the other customers, with one gentleman immediately claiming the last one. The pies were cold, but they were a solid offering. And they proved a hefty challenge, with the small amount of jelly proving an inadequate lubricant, to the cold, hard crust, and the substantial, well textured meat content, which in the opinion of this Adjudicator was over-salted. As the Adjudicators took their half-time drinks in The Bay Horse, they wondered what might have awaited them, if they had arrived at a significantly earlier time.

The journey to Skipton, involved passing through Pateley Bridge, home of the 2018 PLN Champions and 2018 PL Grand Final Winners, and the Adjudicators noted that this was the steepest of the Dale crossings they have made over the course of their adjudications. They also noted that on this day, all the sheep, in every field they passed, were not messing around, but had their heads down scoffing the still lush, wet grass.

Skipton produced a warm pie, with the barely formed jelly providing a tasty juiciness to accompany the lightly seasoned meat content, and the firm but crumbly crust. As the Adjudicators took their post match drinks in The Black Horse, they quickly came to the unanimous decision that on the day, Skipton had earned their place in the final. The official draw, held shortly after the decision had been reached, also gave Skipton home advantage in the 2019 PLCC Final against Otley.

It is perhaps evidence of the competitiveness of the Pie League, that neither of the two finalists had even progressed to the 2018 PL Play-Offs………finishing 3rd and 4th in the 2018 PLN, behind Pateley and Ilkley.

On their return journey, the Adjudicators called in at Booths of Ilkley, where the senior Adjudicator finally succeeded in buying some broccoli. The junior Adjudicator continued to prove himself a fire hazard……….setting the outside bin alight with a carelessly discarded tab end. We had hoped that he had learnt and understood the dangers of cigarette butt disposal earlier this year, after nearly burning down his own greenhouse……..but the youth of today would appear to be slow and reluctant learners.

November 16th has been pencilled in for the 2019 PLCC Final, and the Adjudicators hope to revert to a more traditional early kick-off.

Finally, we pass on the sad news that Ruby, the only other fully qualified Adjudicator is out of action for the rest of the season, with some sort of liver disorder. But we all expect her to be back, fighting fit, next season.