Mackenzie Gardner leaves Frankston Peninsula, rejoins Seaford Tigers

The Tigers can’t contain their excitement after picking up a quality young keeper-batsman straight out of Premier Cricket.

Mackenzie Gardner behind the stumps for Frankston Peninsula last summer. Picture: Valeriu Campan

What a catch for the Seaford Tigers.

Mackenzie Gardner, who played every game in Frankston Peninsula’s First XI last season, is returning to his MPCA club.

The 21-year-old has signed with the Tigers for two seasons as assistant coach.

“He had a chat to Frankston and decided it was time to move on for a little bit,” Seaford Tigers captain Dave James said.

“I spoke to him, I think he said it was literally five minutes after he’d spoken to the Frankston coach, and I probably got him at the right time to be honest, and talks went a little bit further.

“We never pushed him to leave. We push our players to go to Frankston. Things just worked out, to be honest.

“We’re rapt.”

Gardner batting for the Heat in a Super Slam game. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Gardner established himself as a promising wicketkeeper-batsman in three seasons at the Heat, breaking into the First XI in 2019-20 and then playing all 16 top grade games last season, taking 27 catches and a stumping.

Frankston Peninsula recruited Dandenong premiership gloveman Jacques Augustin a few weeks ago.

James said Gardner, who will bat at number three, would fit perfectly into the Tigers’ set up, although he won’t necessarily take the keeping gloves.

Tigers spinner Mark Carroll.

Liam O'Halloran bowling for the Tigers.

Brayden Roscoe has kept wickets for the Tigers the past three seasons.

“They haven’t discussed what they’re doing, they both can field which is a great thing,” James said.

“I think we are going to catch up when the lockdown is over and go through it all. They’ll work that out themselves.”

Seaford Tigers will regain their coach and opening batsman Jake Harrington, who missed the majority of last season with knee injuries.

He’s had two knee operations in the off season and will be raring to go when the new season starts.

“We badly missed an opening bat last year,’’ James said.

“Obviously Macka (Gardner) will bat at three and we’re in talks with someone else, who can hopefully fill that number four spot.”

Seaford Tigers, after claiming the 2019-20 MPCA District flag, narrowly avoided being relegated from Peninsula grade last season.

They beat Flinders in the final round, with James smashing an unbeaten 116 to ensure they climbed off the bottom of the ladder.