In Monday’s issue of The Express, Brownlie labelled the Harris Park surface as ‘a joke’.

The comments came after City were dismissed for just 30 in their opening innings against Ex-Services in a day which saw 22 wickets fall for just 158 runs.

But Porter, who is also president of the Armidale and District Cricket Association, said Brownlie’s comments were out of line.

“Those kind of statements aren’t good for cricket in Armidale and they reflect poorly on me and the other curators,” he said.

“We are just volunteers who give up a lot of our own time for a game of cricket. All six curators get a small honourary payment but basically we do it because we love it.”

Porter said more than 30 millimetres of rain fell on Harris on Thursday night and,having an overcast day on Friday, made it difficult for the surface to dry, he did ‘as much as possible’ to ensure the pitch was ready for the first grade contest.

“I agree the wicket was more suited to bowling than batting but it wasn’t a pitch where a side should be bowled out for 30,” Porter said.

Brownlie yesterday apologised for his comments and said Armidale curators did a good job.

“I was a little bit upset on the weekend after our bad performance and said some silly things,” he said.

“The curators in Armidale do a fantastic job each week and our pitches are generally in top condition for play. With the rain we had last Thursday night it’s understandable the pitch was going to do a bit.”

Brownlie said he was also taken out of context when quoted as saying in Monday’s report the pitch was embarassing for Armidale cricket.

“I was referring to our performance as being embarassing for Armidale cricket — we shouldn’t have been bowled out for 30,” he said.

“I admit I was unhappy with the pitch but having spoken to Mike Porter about it I’m satisfied it was presented in the best condition possible after the weather we had last week.”

Porter said he was happy with the way Harris Park had played throughout the summer.

“A third grade side made 198 in 40 overs at Harris Park on Australia Day and the Saturday before that TAS made 210 batting first in second grade.

“If you look at the results played on the other turf wickets in the centre of town on Saturday, you’ll see that 20 wickets fell at Lambert Park and 14 wickets fell at the Sportsground for just 150 runs.

“It was the centre of town where the heavy rain fell and as a result it was difficult to prepare a top wicket.”