What began with a chance encounter in Central Park ended with a small Sussex bowling club making history in New York, new friendships spanning three countries and a few stories that will be told in the clubhouse for years.

The adventure began when Billingshurst member Roger Moore, visiting New York for his 80th birthday, stumbled across the New York Lawn Bowling Club.

Invited to join a friendly roll-up, he later emailed to thank his hosts. Their response was rather unexpected: an invitation for Billingshurst to join the club's centenary celebrations alongside Clontarf Lawn Bowls Club from Ireland.

Last month, seven Billingshurst bowlers and a supporter crossed the Atlantic, becoming the first British club to play on the New York green.

placeholder image — The Billingshurst bowlers in New York

Friday's friendly games provided plenty of entertainment. In one contest, Billingshurst raced into an 8-0 lead before their hosts fought back to secure a 10-10 draw.

Competition was keen, but laughter and encouragement were never far away.

Unfortunately, torrential rain washed out Saturday's tournament. Instead, the three clubs agreed that everyone should be declared a winner, a fitting outcome for a weekend built around friendship.

That evening's gala brought together around 70 guests, including British and Irish diplomatic representatives.

Presentations as the clubs celebrate in New York

There were speeches, the premiere of a documentary celebrating the New York club's history and the presentation of the Billingshurst Bowling Club Friendship Trophy, intended to be contested in future years.

There were lighter moments, too.

Linda led impromptu subway singalongs and introduced more than 30 gala guests to laughter yoga. Barry misheard an American's reference to “lawn bowls” as “Wombles” and promptly burst into song. And Roger's bowls attracted particular attention at airport security on the journey home, where an official announced that he was having his “balls checked”.

But the lasting memory wasn't the scoreline or even the occasion. It was the warmth between three clubs, thousands of miles apart, brought together by a shared love of the game.

They rolled up as strangers – and left as friends