THE coveted Barham Cup, the trophy that goes to the winners of the annual rowing race between Teignmouth and Newton Abbot Town Quay, went to Torquay and Teignmouth foursome Will Burton, Paul Edworthy, Ben Smith and James Stoyle. The latter pair rowed to halfway at Coombe Cellars where Burton and Edworthy took over the oars and despite a strong challenge for most of the way from Richard Shelston and Richard Waddington they had 100 yards to spare at the finish. Crowds gathered at the town quay on Friday for an event, organised by the Teignmouth Regatta Committee, that is increasing in popularity. First home in the pairs, and winners of the Newton Cup, were James Ashton and John Holgate – the latter rowing the second leg. There was plenty of keen rivalry and Newton Abbot town councillors Mike Hocking and Mike Ryan were competing for the umpteenth year – they also had Cllr Carol Bunday aboard as cox. 'We did have one behind us at the finish, but they gave us a head start, though it was hard work because the tide was not running quite so fast,' said Cllr Hocking. Always game for a laugh, they dressed as pirates, and were presented with a medal at the finish. 'I think we had a medal as a sympathy vote,' said Cllr Hocking.