Tough break; iPod use violates rules, costs Auburn D2 title.

• Position: SPORTS

Byline: Jay Gearan

GRAFTON - Auburn High carded the lowest score in the Central Mass. Division 2 golf championships yesterday, but a disqualification cost the Rockets not only the tournament championship, but a berth in the state event.

The Rockets shot 321 and edged Groton-Dunstable by three strokes at Highfields Golf and Country Club, but then had to toss out senior Matt Carville's 6-over 78 after he was disqualified for listening to his iPod during the final two holes.

A "Coaches and Players Responsibilities" rules sheet states, "No electronic devices (including cell phones) allowed on course (penalty disqualification)," and the rules sheet was read to coaches at an 8:30 a.m. meeting, according to tournament director Ron Spakauskas, who said he asked coaches to pass along the information to their players before they teed off.

"The rules are clear," he said. "No electronic devices are allowed. It was headphones connected to a device. They were reported. Both the coach and the player were notified, and they accepted the penalty."

The Rockets' Tyler Lamonda carded a 79 and will advance to the Division 2 state tournament Tuesday at Pocasset as an individual. Chris Gosselin shot 81 and John Kewley an 83 for the original winning score. With Carville's disqualification, Steve Shiner's 88 was included in the Rockets' score, giving Auburn a 331 total, one shot from qualifying for the state tournament.

"I am so saddened by this. This is a great disappointment for our team," said Auburn coach Mike Kaczynski. "It just hurts to go from district champions to not even making the states. But rules are rules, and I have no problem with the decision. What's strange is that the final thing I said to the kids right before they played was `Don't get DQ'd.' I am very happy for Tyler though, and we're still Southern Worcester County League champions. Hopefully, our younger players will learn a lesson today."

Groton-Dunstable ended up as the champion at 324 behind sophomore Brendan Hunter's 77, junior Aaron Honkonen's 79, freshman Evan Bunis's 82 and senior Shawn Hunter's 86. The Crusaders, who used to play in Division 1, second-place David Prouty (329) and third-place Hudson (330) advanced to the Division 2 state championship Tuesday at Pocasset.

On the bus yesterday morning, right before his team exited and headed to the first tee at Highfields, Groton-Dunstable golf coach Dave Bean had some final words of advice.

"Guys, you first picked up the clubs because...