Loughborough UCCE played three first-class matches in 2005. They started their first-class season on the wrong end of a draw against Sussex. This was repeated away to Nottinghamshire in the second game, where another draw was secured, mostly thanks to the hosts choosing to use the game as batting practice. In May they took on Worcestershire, who they dominated throughout the three days. Loughborough UCCE won comfortably by 8 wickets to win their first first-class game since gaining first-class status three years before. Players R M Wilkinson R S Clinton V Atri W M Gifford K R Singh P W Harrison C P Murtagh S Clark D J Wainwright R A G Cummins N J Clewley D R Holt Sussex v Loughborough UCCE (9–11 April) Match drawn The first day of this match, which was played at Hove, saw Loughborough dismissed for 237. Sussex then reached 15 for no loss at close. Sussex batted through the second day, adding 352 in the 105 overs available, after both Ian Ward and Richard Montgomerie both got centuries. Sussex were finally dismissed for 490 on the third and last day. This didn't leave them enough time to dismiss Loughborough UCCE a second time, and they were 103 for 5 at the end of the match. (Cricinfo scorecard) Nottinghamshire v Loughborough UCCE (13–15 April) Match drawn At Trent Bridge Loughborough UCCE won the toss and elected to bat. This allowed Nottinghamshire's Greg Smith to show off his left arm fast-medium bowling that Loughborough's inexperienced students could not cope with. Smith took 5 for 19 as Loughborough UCCE made only 164 to be bowled out before tea. After tea, Darren Bicknell and Jason Gallian scored at a steady 3 runs an over to leave Notts 67 without loss at close on the first day. The Nottinghamshire innings continued and took up all the second day, and the batsmen got useful match practice before their Championship season started. The highlight was Anurag Singh's 131 from 176 balls with 23 fours and a six. Three other batsmen made half-centuries, including Darren Bicknell, whose 91 took up five minutes short of five hours. The pick of the bowling came from Loughborough UCCE's left-arm spinner David Wainwright. Nottinghamshire were 467 for 8 at close on the second day. Nottinghamshire continued their innings on the third and final day, allowing Graeme Swann to make his half-century, finishing with 63 off