Rugby treat for attacked schoolboy

Last Friday Azaleas Quenton was attacked from behind while walking his bike through Akina Park

Azaleas Quenton, the 12-year-old victim of an unprovoked attack in Hastings last week, will receive the VIP treatment from the Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby team tonight.

Magpies midfield back Jason Shoemark said Azaleas and members of his family have been given free tickets to the Magpies first home ITM Cup clash of the season against Taranaki at Napier's McLean Park.

After the match Azaleas will be taken into the Magpies changing room and introduced to the players.

"We've got a surprise for him and for obvious reasons we can't elaborate on that at this stage," Mr Shoemark said. "As Magpies we know rugby is a tough sport but we don't condone unprovoked attacks like Azaleas experienced ... it was pretty cowardly."

A father-of-three, he pointed out one of his daughters attends Hastings Intermediate School, the same school as Azaleas. "As a team we're into the anti-violence message ... people should look after each other."

Last Friday Azaleas was attacked from behind while walking his bike through Akina Park. It is alleged three girls and two boys of secondary school age, who have still to be apprehended, were involved and Azaleas' face was kicked and stomped on repeatedly.

Tonight's 6pm curtainraiser will see the Lindisfarne College 2nd XV take on the Central Hawke's Bay College 1st XV in the final of the Hawke's Bay Secondary Schools Unison Challenge. The 5.30pm Tremain's Rippa Rugby match will be between Lucknow and Port Ahuriri Schools and the Dance Express dancers will also strut their stuff.

Hawke's Bay Rugby Union's commercial manager Jay Campbell is expecting a crowd of 6000.

"That would be pretty good for an 8.05pm game in the middle of winter and remember don't leave it to the last minute to try and get into the ground," Mr Campbell warned.