Young cricketers take to the pitch this month for the start of the annual Pembrokeshire Kwik Cricket Schools Festival. Seven regional competitions will be held across the county with 52 primary schools and an estimated 850 pupils taking part. The top teams from each competition will progress to the finals to be held at Haverfordwest Cricket Club on Wednesday, June 27. First introduced in 1988, Kwik Cricket is an England and Wales Cricket Board initiative aimed at introducing youngsters to the sport. Designed for children aged five and over, it uses an orange softball and plastic equipment and can be played on any flat surface, inside or outside. "Though there is a competitive edge, the emphasis of Kwik Cricket is very much on participation and enjoyment," said Clr. Rob Lewis, cabinet member for sport and leisure. "This year more teams than ever are taking part reflecting the growing interest in the sport across the county." The local tournaments have been organised by Sport Pembrokehsire - the sports development arm of Pembrokeshire County Council. Cricket development officer Ben Field said Kwik Cricket was designed to increase participation in the sport in primary schools and was a game well suited to all ability levels, boys and girls. Kwik Cricket is sponsored nationally by Asda with the local superstore in Pembroke Dock providing bottled water and fresh fruit for all participating pupils.
