Young cricketers from Pembrokeshire have taken to the field in the first ever Kwik Cricket Festival for primary schools with special educational needs units, and the first ever girls-only Kwik Cricket Festival. Designed for children aged between five and 11, Kwik Cricket uses an orange softball and plastic equipment and can be played on any flat surface, inside or out. The festivals were organised by Sport Pembrokeshire - the sports development arm of the county council - in association with the Pembrokeshire Association of Cricket Coaches. The Special Education Needs Primary Schools Kwik Cricket Festival was hosted at Haverfordwest Cricket Club on Tuesday, July 1. The six schools who attended were Fenton, Glannau Gwaun, Monkton Priory, Pembroke Dock, Portfield and Tenby Juniors. Before the festival, all schools received at least two coaching sessions organised by Sport Pembrokeshire and delivered by qualified coaches Rob Simons and Emma Summons, of the Pembrokeshire Association of Cricket Coaches. All the schools played two matches in what proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable festival, with every pupil receiving a certificate for taking part. The Girls Kwik Cricket Festival was hosted at Carew Cricket Club on Tuesday, July 8, and the schools that participated were Pembroke Dock, Tavernspite, St. Florence and Stackpole. Each school played four matches, with the final played out between Stackpole and Tavernspite. Tavernspite eventually won in a very tightly contested game. Another girls festival was due to be held at Fishguard Cricket Club on Monday, July 7, where six schools were due to participate, but unfortunately due to the poor weather, this festival had to be cancelled. Clr. Rob Lewis, cabinet member for cultural services, sports, leisure and tourism, welcomed the launch of the two festivals. "It's very important that everyone gets the chance to really enjoy and participate in sport, and these festivals have enabled even more children to take part," he said. Cricket development officer Ben Field said: "Emphasis at both festivals was based on participation and enjoyment rather than competition, with all pupils relishing the opportunity to take part in these new initiatives."