Kruis leaves Tykes after failing to agree deal

6:45pm Thursday 9th October 2008

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Deon Kruis has played his final game for Yorkshire after failing to agree terms on a new deal.

The 34-year-old South African was the club’s first Kolpak player and became a popular figure at Headingley during his four seasons.

Kruis was player of the year in his debut season of 2005 when he was the county’s leading wicket-taker, a feat he matched the following year.

He was awarded his county cap in 2006 and, despite struggling with injuries over the last two seasons, has always given his all for the White Rose county.

His spell of four wickets for three runs in 15 balls against Northamptonshire Steelbacks sealed Yorkshire Carnegie’s promotion to Division One of the NatWest Pro40 this season.

Yorkshire’s chief executive Stewart Regan said: “It is a great shame that an agreement could not be reached with Deon to keep him at Yorkshire next season.

“He’s a fine player and a terrific person and everyone at the club wishes Deon and his family well in the future.

“Although his departure is a loss to the club, it does provide our youngsters with an added incentive to work hard over the winter with Deon’s place in the first-team squad up for grabs.”