12 November 2026 · Haslemere Trophy (rapidplay) · Staines RA 5–5 Camberley RA — Staines win on handicap
Staines made a winning start to their Haslemere Trophy campaign at the Literary Institute in Egham on Thursday evening. The ten rapid games against Camberley RA finished 5–5 on the board, but this was a Staines victory, not a drawn match: under the competition’s handicap conditions, Staines needed just four points to win the tie.
Each of the five Staines players faced the same opponent twice, and the two sets of games produced contrasting fortunes. Staines took the opening set 3–2 before Camberley replied with a 3–2 score in the second.
Staines take the early lead
Jon Barnes and Lee Neate both won their opening games, against Tim Mowlem and Steve Harley respectively. Kligan Braganca added a third point against Jake Meiring, putting Staines 3–2 ahead after the first round of games.
Braganca completes a clean sweep
The second set belonged narrowly to Camberley, but Staines still had two more points to collect. Liam O’Sullivan bounced back from his opening-game defeat to beat Lee Conyard in their second encounter, while Braganca defeated Meiring again to finish with a perfect 2/2 — a vital contribution to Staines’ winning score.
Camberley took the remaining three games of the second set, bringing the raw score to 5–5. Derek McGovern faced Paul Sloane on the top board, while Barnes and Neate had to settle for one point each across their two games.
Five points — and a match win
In an ordinary match, a 5–5 scoreline would mean honours even. The Haslemere Trophy, however, is a handicap competition. Staines’ target was four points from the ten games, so reaching five was enough to secure victory over Camberley.
Braganca’s double, backed by wins from Barnes, Neate and O’Sullivan, ensured Staines made their points count. The victory sends Staines through to the semi-finals of the Haslemere Trophy.
Final scorecard
| Board | Staines RA | Camberley RA | Game 1 | Game 2 | Staines points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Derek McGovern | Paul Sloane | Loss | Loss | 0 |
| 2 | Jon Barnes | Tim Mowlem | Win | Loss | 1 |
| 3 | Lee Neate | Steve Harley | Win | Loss | 1 |
| 4 | Liam O’Sullivan | Lee Conyard | Loss | Win | 1 |
| 5 | Kligan Braganca | Jake Meiring | Win | Win | 2 |
| Total | Staines RA | Camberley RA | 3–2 | 2–3 | 5–5 |
Game results are shown from Staines’ perspective. Staines won the tie under the Haslemere Trophy handicap, having needed four points.
