2005–06 Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball team, Season Notes
It was an unfortunate blow as both Landry and Stiemsma had become key contributors. Juniors Alando Tucker and Kammron Taylor led the team in scoring, with 19.0 ppg and 14.2 ppg, respectively. Brian Butch stepped up as a sophomore to average 9.9 ppg.


2005–06 Wisconsin Badgers women's ice hockey season
The 2005–06 Wisconsin Badgers women's ice hockey team was the Badgers' 6th season. Led by head coach Mark Johnson, the Badgers won their first NCAA championship.


2005–06 Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. season
The 2005–06 season was the 107th season of competitive league football in the history of English football club Wolverhampton Wanderers. They played the season in the 2nd tier of the English football system, the Football League Championship.


2005–06 Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. season
The team finished in seventh place, falling nine points short of a place in the promotion play-offs. Following this season, a summer of changes occurred with manager Glenn Hoddle resigning and many of the club's first team players departing.


2005–06 Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. season, Results, Pre season
Pre season began on 27 June with a week training at the National Sports Centre at Lilleshall. The squad then spent a week in Montecastillo, Spain during 4–10 July.


2005–06 Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. season, Results, Football League Championship
A total of 24 teams competed in the Championship during the 2005–06 season. Each team would play every other team twice, once at their stadium, and once at the opposition's. Three points were awarded to teams for each win, one point per draw, and none for defeats. The provisional fixture list was released on 23 June 2005, but was subject to change in the event of matches being selected for television coverage or police concerns.


2005–06 Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. season, Players, Statistics
Key:  ‡ On loan from another club   * First appearance(s) for the club


2005–06 Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. season, Players, Statistics
Correct as of end of season. Starting appearances are listed first, followed by substitute appearances in parentheses where applicable.


2005–06 Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. season, Kit
The previous season's home kit was retained, featuring the club's traditional gold and black colours. The season however saw a new away kit introduced that was an all-black design, with gold piping on the shirt. Last season's navy blue and white away kit was also retained for this season. The kits were manufactured by Le Coq Sportif and featured Chaucer Consulting as sponsor for a second season.


2005–06 Women's Asia Cup
The Women's Asia Cup in Pakistan in 2005–06 is the Asian Cricket Council Women's One Day International cricket tournament. The three teams which took part in the tournament were India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It was held between 28 December 2005 and 4 January 2006, in Pakistan. The matches were played at the National Stadium, Karachi and Karachi Gymkhana Ground. India won the final against Sri Lanka by 97 runs.


2005–06 Women's National Cricket League season
The 2005–06 Women's National Cricket League season was the 10th season of the Women's National Cricket League, the women's domestic limited overs cricket competition in Australia. The tournament started on 5 November 2005 and finished on 5 February 2006.


2005–06 Women's National Cricket League season
The New South Wales Breakers won the tournament after topping the ladder at the conclusion of the group stage.


2005–06 World Series of Poker Circuit
The 2005–06 World Series of Poker Circuit is the 2nd annual World Series of Poker Circuit.


2005–06 World Sevens Series
The 2005–06 World Sevens Series was the seventh in an annual IRB Sevens World Series of rugby sevens tournaments run by the International Rugby Board since 1999-2000. The participating teams in each World Sevens Series are full national sides.


2005–06 World Sevens Series
The series was won by Fiji in the last event of the competition. In the final event Fiji needed to finish as Plate winners or higher to ensure that they would win the series. In the final event Fiji won the Cup competition making them the 2005-06 Series Champions.


2005–06 World Sevens Series
Sevens is traditionally played in a two-day tournament format; however, the most famous event, the Hong Kong Sevens, is played over three days.


2005–06 World Sevens Series
The most famous Sevens event, the Hong Kong Sevens, returned to the series after a one-year hiatus in 2004-05 for the IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens, which was held in Hong Kong in March 2005 and won by Fiji.


2005–06 World Sevens Series, Itinerary
The tournaments spanned the globe, with the following events included in the 2005-06 tour:


2005–06 World Sevens Series, The season
In a normal event, 16 teams are entered; in Hong Kong, 24 teams enter. In each tournament, the teams are divided into pools of four teams, who play a round-robin within the pool. Points are awarded in each pool on a different schedule from most rugby tournaments—3 for a win, 2 for a draw, 1 for a loss. The first tiebreaker is difference in points scored during the tournament.


2005–06 World Sevens Series, The season
Four trophies are awarded in each tournament, except for Hong Kong. In descending order of prestige, they are the Cup, whose winner is the overall tournament champion, Plate, Bowl and Shield. In Hong Kong, the Shield is not awarded. Each trophy is awarded at the end of a knockout tournament.


2005–06 World Sevens Series, The season
In a normal event, the top two teams in each pool advance to the Cup competition. The four quarterfinal losers drop into the bracket for the Plate. The Bowl is contested by the third-place finishers in each pool, while the Shield is contested by the last-place teams from each pool.


2005–06 World Sevens Series, The season
In Hong Kong, the six pool winners, plus the two highest-finishing second-place teams, advance to the Cup. The Plate participants are the eight highest-ranked teams remaining, while the lowest eight drop to the Bowl.


2005–06 World Sevens Series, Points schedule
The season championship is determined by points earned in each tournament. For most events, points are awarded on the following schedule:


2005–06 World Sevens Series, Points schedule
Points are awarded on a different schedule for the Hong Kong Sevens:


2005–06 World Sevens Series, Final table
New Zealand, which had won the first six World Sevens Series, was mathematically eliminated from contention for the 2005-06 crown after the Singapore Sevens. Fiji's title was the first in the seven-year history of the competition to be won by a country other than New Zealand.


2005–06 World Sevens Series, The events, Dubai
The opening event of the season saw England defend their title, but not without a major fight. They had a very tough semifinal against Samoa, surviving only via an injury-time try by Sevens newcomer Tom Varndell and conversion by Simon Amor after Samoa had been controversially reduced to six men in the final seconds. Facing England in the final was Fiji, which had a much tougher road to the final. In what would prove to be a harbinger of the season to come, they upset six-time defending series champion New Zealand in the quarterfinals. Fiji then defeated South Africa in the semifinals.


2005–06 World Sevens Series, The events, Dubai
The final proved to be a back-and-forth game, with each team seemingly having an answer for the other's scores. However, Varndell, who was named player of the tournament, scored his third try of the final and 10th of the tournament with little more than a minute to go, giving England a lead Fiji could only reduce.


2005–06 World Sevens Series, The events, South Africa
Here, Fiji scored their first win in an IRB Sevens event since their 2002 win in this very event. They defeated both New Zealand and England in the knockout phase to advance to the final. Their opponents were Argentina, who were upset by Wales in pool play, but went on to defeat New Zealand later in pool play. Fiji took a 14–0 lead after five minutes of the final, but Argentina stormed back to take a 19–14 lead. William Ryder scored a try near the end to draw Fiji level, with the winning points provided by a conversion from Sevens legend and player-coach Waisale Serevi. The man-of-the-tournament award went to Serevi's successor as Fiji Sevens captain, Jone Daunivucu.


2005–06 World Sevens Series, The events, New Zealand
This event made it clear to many observers that for the first time in the history of the World Sevens Series, New Zealand would not be the overall winner. While New Zealand were unable to win on home soil in Wellington, Fiji advanced to their third final this season, defeating New Zealand in the semifinals. The Fijians won a nail-biting extra-time final over South Africa to take pole position in the series.


2005–06 World Sevens Series, The events, United States
England stormed back into contention for the overall series crown here, destroying Fiji in the final. By this time, it became increasingly clear that the race for the title would be between the two Los Angeles finalists.


2005–06 World Sevens Series, The events, Hong Kong
The 30th edition of arguably the biggest event in the Sevens version of the game saw what Planet-Rugby.com called an "absolutely mesmerising" final. The first half belonged to England, who took advantage of a Fiji sin-binning to break open a tight game to take a 19–7 lead at the break. Serevi's men stormed back in the second half to level the score, and eventually took the lead on a Ryder try. However, they turned the ball over as the full-time siren sounded. England took advantage, with Ben Gollings scoring a try to tie the match and converting to win.


2005–06 World Sevens Series, The events, Singapore
This event saw a rematch of the Hong Kong final, with Fiji scoring a comfortable win this time, despite missing two key players—Danivucu to a three-month disciplinary ban for biting Varndell in the Hong Kong final, and Epeli Dranivasa to a broken arm suffered in the same match. New Zealand were officially eliminated from contention for the series crown, crashing out in the Cup quarterfinals to Argentina and losing in the Plate semifinals to Samoa. Fiji placed themselves in pole position to claim the series crown; if they made the finals in Paris and England, they would win the series title no matter what England did.


2005–06 World Sevens Series, The events, Paris
Going into Paris, second-place England knew they had to finish at least two spots ahead of Fiji in one of the remaining two tournaments to win the overall title. England caught a major break when the hosts, France, stunned Fiji 22–21 in the Cup quarterfinals, knocking them into the Plate competition. However, England could not take advantage of the upset, crashing out of the Cup at the same stage to Australia, 29–17. Fiji went on to win the Plate and extend their lead over England for the overall crown.


2005–06 World Sevens Series, The events, Paris
In the meantime, South Africa went on to win the Paris crown. In the final, they avenged a loss to Samoa in pool play, with Rayno Benjamin and Danwell Dimas scoring two tries apiece.


2005–06 World Sevens Series, The events, Paris
The results here all but assured Fiji the overall crown. England could only win the 2005-06 series if they won the final event at Twickenham and Fiji lost in or before the Plate semifinals.


2005–06 World Sevens Series, The events, London
The first day saw Fiji, South Africa and New Zealand sweep through pool play unbeaten. The most competitive pool was Pool B, featuring the hosts England. The pool was tightly contested, with England neck-and-neck with Australia and surprise package Kenya. In a major shocker, Kenya easily defeated Australia 26–7. Although England would lose the day's final match 24–19 to Australia, they topped the pool on points difference, with Kenya finishing second.


2005–06 World Sevens Series, The events, London
On Day 2, Fiji clinched the overall series crown by defeating Kenya 33–14 in the Cup quarterfinals. They went on to crush South Pacific rivals Samoa 54–14 for the London crown. England held off South Africa for second place, advancing to the Cup semifinals while South Africa could only advance to the Plate final, in which they beat Kenya.


2005–06 World Sevens Series, The events, London
The Bowl competition went especially against form. In the first semifinal, Portugal surprised Scotland 24–12. The second saw an even more shocking result, as Russia used a hat trick from Igor Galinovskiy to stun Australia 21–5. Portugal won the final 45–0.


2005–06 World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings
The 2005–06 World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings is the 2005–06 edition of the World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings. It is an assessment of racehorses which was issued by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) in August 2006. It includes horses aged three or older which raced or were trained during 2005–06 in countries where the flat racing year runs from August 1 to July 31 (and also South America, where it runs from July 1 to June 30). These countries are generally in the Southern Hemisphere, although some areas covered, such as Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates, are actually north of the equator.


2005–06 World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings
The ratings represent a weight value in pounds, with higher values given to horses which showed greater ability. It is judged that these weights would equalize the abilities of the horses if carried in a theoretical handicap race. The list includes all horses rated 115 or above, and it also shows the surface and the distances at which the rating was achieved.


2005–06 World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings
The highest rating in the 2005–06 season was 124, which was given to the performance of Makybe Diva in the Melbourne Cup. In total, 47 horses were included in the list, 24 more than in the 2004–05 Rankings.


2005–06 World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings, Full rankings for 2005–06
Certain horses may have also recorded a lesser rating over a distance different from that listed above. The IFHA publishes this information when the lower rating represents the overall top performance in a particular category. There were no such additional ratings for this season.


2005–06 World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings, Top ranked horses
The tables below show the top ranked horses overall, the top fillies and mares, and the top three-year-olds in the 2005–06 Rankings. They also show the top performers in various subdivisions of each group, which are defined by the distances of races, and the surfaces on which they are run. The IFHA recognizes five distance categories — Sprint, Mile, Intermediate, Long and Extended — identified by the acronym "SMILE". These are framed as follows:


2005–06 Wrexham F.C. season
The 2005–06 season saw Wrexham compete in Football League Two where they finished in 13th position with 59 points.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season
The 2005–06 season was the third season in the Football League and the first season at the third tier of English football played by Yeovil Town Football Club, an English football club based in Yeovil, Somerset.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season
Yeovil began their first campaign in League One with a run of six games without a win. After an upturn in form, manager Gary Johnson left the club for West Country rivals Bristol City. His assistant Steve Thompson oversaw the rest of the campaign, inconsistent form plighted the season but even after the loss of Darren Way and Lee Johnson in January, the club's League One status was confirmed with a game to spare.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season
The team reached the second round of the FA Cup before losing 2–0 away at fellow League One side Walsall. The team also reached the second round of the Football League Cup knocking out Championship side Ipswich Town before losing to Millwall, while in the Football League Trophy the club were knocked by Leyton Orient in the first round. Forward Phil Jevons was the club's top goalscorer for the second consecutive season scoring 16 goals, with 15 in the league and one in the FA Cup.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Background
The 2004–05 season was the club's second season in the Football League and manager Gary Johnson's fourth season in charge. The end of the season saw the team celebrate promotion from League Two as champions. The club released five players including Latvian international Andrejs Štolcers while Polish striker Bartosz Tarachulski rejected the club's offer of a new contract.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Background
Four further players were offered new contracts, Colin Miles agreeing a new one-year contract while Adam Lockwood agreed a month-to-month deal. Youngsters Stephen Reed and Dale Williams both signed new one deals. Additionally player/assistant manager Steve Thompson agreed a new two-year contract. While goalkeeper Daniel Barker and midfielder Richard Cullingford entered the first team squad from the youth team after agreeing their first professional contracts. The close season also saw manager Gary Johnson reject an approach from Championship side Derby County.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
The squad returned for pre-season training on 1 July. The first day of pre-season saw the arrival of four new signings, striker Matt Harrold joined from Brentford for a nominal fee, while left-back Nathan Jones signed following his release from Brighton & Hove Albion, winger David Poole joined after his release from Manchester United, and defender Luke Oliver signed for an undisclosed five-figure sum from Conference side Woking.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
On 5 July, Yeovil set off for their Dutch training base for a pre-season tour for three matches against German opposition. The squad was joined by a selection of trialists including former Arsenal trainee Eric Obinna. Yeovil's first friendly saw them record a 1–0 victory over Regionalliga Nord side SC Preußen Münster courtesy of a Phil Jevons penalty, Yeovil then faced the reserve team of Bayer 04 Leverkusen winning the match 2–1 with goals from Adam Lockwood and Lee Johnson.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
Yeovil concluded their tour with a 7–1 defeat against 2. Bundesliga side Leichtathletik Rasensport Ahlen with Obinna scoring Yeovil's consolation goal, but that was the last contribution for Obinna as he was released upon Yeovil's return home. Upon the club's return, they briefly took former Nottingham Forest striker Craig Westcarr on trial, before their first home friendly of the season against Premier League side Portsmouth. Yeovil suffered a 4–2 defeat with Paul Terry and Darren Way scoring for the Glovers. The following day Yeovil traveled to Burgess Hill Town, and a collection of squad players and trialists recorded a 4–0 victory with goals from Stephen Reed, David Poole, Luke Oliver and Scott Guyett. In mid-July, young winger Dale Williams received his first two Wales under-19 caps in friendlies against Turkey.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
Yeovil then had two more friendly matches in consecutive days, first a 3–1 win against Dorchester Town with goals from Kevin Gall, Jevons and Matt Harrold, followed by a trip to Staines Town again winning 3–1 with goals from Terry, trialist Paul Bastin, who was later revealed to be Pablo Bastianini, and Harrold. On 23 July, Yeovil hosted newly promoted Premier League West Ham United, a game which saw the return of Gavin Williams who received his League Two winners medals before the match.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
A crowd of 8,382 watch Yeovil record a 2–2 draw with Bastianini and Gall scoring the Glovers' goals. Three days later Yeovil lost 3–1 at home against relegated Premier League side Southampton. The following day Yeovil travelled to face Conference side Woking, for a benefit match for former manager Colin Lippiatt, the Glovers won the match 2–0 with goals from trialist Luciano Álvarez and Poole. Yeovil's pre-season schedule concluded with a 1–1 draw against Cheltenham Town and a 3–0 win against Tiverton Town.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
After a successful trial Argentine striker Pablo Bastianini signed from Quilmes for an undisclosed club record fee, signing a two-year contract. With manager Gary Johnson, saying of the fee, "we have signed him for a club record fee but that will remain undisclosed. All I can say is that it is not six figures which some people are presuming."


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, August
Yeovil's season opener in their first season in League One saw them travel to Oldham Athletic, on 6 August. Without record signing Pablo Bastianini whose international clearance had failed to come through Yeovil lost the match 2–0. On the same day a Yeovil Town XI side faced Sherborne Town in a friendly match and recorded a 3–0 win with Argentine trialist Luciano Álvarez scoring a brace and Dale Williams with the third.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, August
On 9 August, defender Scott Guyett joined Conference side Aldershot Town on a one-month loan deal, that evening Yeovil drew 0–0 with Rotherham United in their first home match in League One. Following the match defender Adam Lockwood signed a new one-year contract, On 13 August, Yeovil drew 1–1 with Blackpool with Kevin Amankwaah scoring Yeovil's first goal of the season. Young defender Stephen Reed joined Woking on a short-term loan deal, while Arron Davies scored in a 3–1 victory for Wales under-21s against Malta.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, August
On 18 August, record signing Pablo Bastiaini finally received his international clearance, and the following day Yeovil signed a second Argentine, Luciano Álvarez signing a four-month contract after a successful trial. Bastianini's debut though saw Yeovil lost 1–0 away at Barnsley a result which saw Yeovil fall to the foot of the table. On 23 August, Yeovil faced Championship side Ipswich Town in the first round of the League Cup. Yeovil recorded their first victory of the season with Darren Way and Kevin Gall both scoring in a 2–0 win.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, August
With the transfer deadline looming, Yeovil rejected a bid in the region of £100,000 from Swansea City for the services of Lee Johson, while defender Michael Rose joined Cheltenham Town on a month's loan deal. but forward Kevin Gall rejected a move to Carlisle United after the two club had agreed an unspecified fee. On 27 August, Yeovil lost 4–2 to Swindon Town, with Bastianini scoring his first goal for the club after just 26 seconds. Three days later Yeovil completed a winless month in the league, losing 3–1 at home to Chesterfield with Álvarez scoring his first Yeovil goal. Transfer deadline day saw Yeovil bring in Liam Fontaine on loan from Fulham, while Luke Oliver returned to Woking on loan, and Dale Williams joined Tiverton Town on loan.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, September
Yeovil began September by recording their first League victory of the season, winning 1–0 away at Hartlepool United, with Pablo Bastianini's header enough for victory. Arron Davies who missed the match appeared in two more matches for Wales under-21s. On 10 September, Yeovil recorded their second successive win a 2–1 victory over Walsall to move off the foot of the table, with Phil Jevons scoring his first goal of the season.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, September
The following week saw the extension of Scott Guyett's loan at Aldershot Town for a further month, the signing of Uruguayan defender Alejandro Meloño on a short-term contract and the departure of Andy Lindegaard on loan to Crawley Town. On 17 September, Yeovil drew 1–1 away at Bradford City, while Stephen Reed having returned from his loan at Woking was immediately sent out on loan to Aldershot Town. Yeovil then faced Millwall in the second round of the League Cup, after being reduced to ten-men Yeovil were knocked out losing 2–1.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, September
The game turned out to be the last match at Yeovil for manager Gary Johnson, who left the club to join West Country rivals Bristol City. Johnson departed after four seasons in which he had overseen two promotions and victory in the FA Trophy. Johnson's assistant Steve Thompson took over as caretaker boss and recorded a 1–0 victory in his first match in charge against Port Vale, with summer signing Matt Harrold scoring his first goal for the club. On 27 September, Yeovil travelled to Southend United and despite taking the lead courtesy of a Jevons free-kick ultimately lost 4–1. The end of September also saw Thompson bring in former Yeovil goalkeeper Len Bond as the club's new goalkeeping coach.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, October
Yeovil started October with a trip to Scunthorpe United and after trailing 2–0 inside the first 20 minutes, Yeovil mounted a remarkable comeback to win the match 4–3 with goals from Darren Way, Phil Jevons and a brace from first-half substitute Matt Harrold. That result was enough to convince the Yeovil board to appoint manager Steve Thompson on a permanent basis. Thompson celebrated his permanent appointment with a 1–0 victory over league leaders Swansea City, a result which saw Yeovil rise to eighth in the table.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, October
On 10 October, Yeovil appointed former Plymouth Argyle manager Kevin Hodges as their new assistant manager to work with Steve Thompson. Yeovil then faced two away matches recording a goalless draw against Gillingham, before losing 2–0 to Leyton Orient in the first round of the Football League Trophy. The Gillingham match saw midfielder Darren Way suffer a fractured cheekbone and eye socket that ruled him out for four weeks. On 20 October, Yeovil confirmed Andy Lindegaard had extended his loan at Crawley Town for another month.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, October
On 22 October, Yeovil recorded an impressive a 3–0 win against Nottingham Forest, with Jevons scoring a brace. On 24 October, the club confirmed the departure of Uruguay Alejandro Meloño after his contract terminated by mutual consent having only started two matches. Yeovil ended the month losing 3–2 away at Colchester United.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, November
Yeovil needed a late goal from Phil Jevons to salvage a replay in their FA Cup first round match against League Two side Macclesfield Town. After a series of injuries in central midfield, Yeovil signed West Ham United midfielder Chris Cohen on a month-loan deal, that was subsequently extended until the end of the season. Yeovil then suffered a 2–1 home defeat against Huddersfield Town, before on 15 November, Yeovil faced Macclesfield in their FA Cup first round replay and a goalscoring return of Darren Way from injury led Yeovil to a 4–0 victory.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, November
On 18 November, full-back Adam Lockwood joined Torquay United on a month's loan. Yeovil then suffered two defeats to end November losing 2–0 to Swansea City, before losing by the same scoreline at home to Oldham Athletic. The Swansea match saw midfielder Darren Way suffer a recurrence of a shin injury that ruled him out until January. The end of the month saw young winger Dale Williams join Newport County on loan, while Luke Oliver returned from his loan at Woking.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, December
On 3 December, Yeovil were knocked out of the FA Cup in the second round by Walsall, losing 2–0. Yeovil then travelled to Brentford, where after being reduced to ten-men after the dismissal of goalkeeper Chris Weale lost the match 3–2. With the suspension of Weale and injury to third choice keeper Daniel Barker, saw Yeovil sign former Benfica goalkeeper Francisco Ramos on non-contract terms as cover. Yeovil then recorded back-to-back 2–1 victories, first away at Rotherham United, and then at home against Barnsley.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, December
After the Barnsley match, Yeovil announced that Argentine striker Luciano Álvarez had returned to Argentina after the club decided not to extend his contract. A late penalty from Phil Jevons earned Yeovil a 1–1 draw against Bournemouth in the first of their Christmas fixtures, Yeovil then travelled to Tranmere Rovers where despite taking the lead through another Jevons penalty the Glovers suffered a heavy 4–1 defeat. On 30 December, the club announced that former manager David Webb had bought out Jon Goddard-Watts to become the majority shareholder and chief executive of the club, with John Fry remaining as chairman. New Year's Eve saw Yeovil welcome manager Gary Johnson back to the club, as the Glovers drew 1–1 with his new club Bristol City, ending the year in 18th place in the league table.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, January
The opening of the January transfer window saw Yeovil loan out Michael Rose to Scunthorpe United until the end of the season. Three goals from Phil Jevons were enough for Yeovil to record back-to-back victories to begin January, 1–0 away at Doncaster Rovers, and 2–0 at home to Hartlepool United. On 7 January, Nigerian international defender Efe Sodje left the club for Southend United for an undisclosed fee. Subsequently, on 11 January, midfielder Lee Johnson also left the club for Scottish Premier League side Heart of Midlothian for £50,000. On 14 January, Yeovil drew 1–1 with Milton Keynes Dons.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, January
Subsequently, Yeovil announced the signing of new owner David Webb's son, Daniel on an 18-month contract. On 20 January, midfielder Darren Way left the club, after a bid of £150,000 from Swansea City was accepted. Yeovil's final match of January saw them lose 1–0 at home to Bradford City. The end of the month saw the club award youth team graduate Gavin McCallum his first professional contract, the Canada under-20 international signing an 18-month deal. The club also announced the departure of defender Luke Oliver to Stevenage Borough for a fee of £15,000. The end of the transfer window saw Yeovil complete three signings, former Jamaica under-23 defender Bradley Thomas signed from Eastleigh on a free transfer, Accrington Stanley midfielder Anthony Barry for an undisclosed fee, and former Derby County defender Jamie Vincent on a short-term contract.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, February
Yeovil began February with consecutive defeats first a 2–0 loss at home against Southend United, and then followed with a 1–0 loss away at Port Vale. On 14 February, a dramatic equaliser in the third minute of injury time gave rock-bottom Milton Keynes Dons a 1–1 draw against Yeovil. On 20 February, owner David Webb decided to step down as Yeovil's chief executive, and decided not to join the board of directors. A third defeat of the month saw Yeovil slip into the relegation zone for the first time since September, as the club lost 2–0 away at Blackpool.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, March
The start of March, saw Yeovil confirm the signing of Northern Irish international midfielder Tommy Doherty on loan from Queens Park Rangers on a one-month loan deal, while Stephen Reed joined Torquay United on loan until the end of the season. A hat-trick from Welsh attacking midfielder Arron Davies earned Yeovil a 3–0 victory away at Chesterfield, on 4 March, to record their first win in seven matches and move out of the relegation zone.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, March
The Chesterfield match though saw Yeovil suffer injuries to both Doherty and Anthony Barry who was ruled out for the rest of the season with a dislocated knee. After an injury to Chris Weale, Francisco Ramos returned to the club as goalkeeper cover for the club's trip to Brentford, but Yeovil lost the match 2–1. In an attempt to ease the club's injury crisis, Yeovil signed Irish midfielder Marc Wilson on loan from Portsmouth for a month and goalkeeper Michael Jordan on loan from Arsenal until the end of the season.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, March
On 11 March, Yeovil drew 0–0 with relegation rivals Swindon Town, in the week following the match the club confirmed that Jamie Vincent had joined Millwall on loan until the end of the season. While club record signing Pablo Bastianini had left the club after having his contract terminated by mutual consent. On 18 March, Yeovil suffered a 1–0 defeat away at Bournemouth, before bouncing back with a comfortable 2–0 victory over Walsall with goals from Matt Harrold and Arron Davies. On 23 March, Yeovil completed the loan signings of Craig Rocastle from Sheffield Wednesday and midfielder Sam Alsop from Birmingham City. Yeovil ended March with a 2–2 draw against Tranmere Rovers after twice having the lead courtesy of Matt Harrold.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, April and May
On 1 April, Yeovil travelled to West Country rivals Bristol City where a goal from Arron Davies was only a consolation in a 2–1 defeat. Yeovil then boosted their survival hopes with a 3–0 victory over Doncaster Rovers with goals from Terry Skiverton, Phil Jevons and Arron Davies. On 14 April, Yeovil suffered a 1–0 home defeat against Scunthorpe United, the game saw goalkeeper Chris Weale suffer a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury which ruled him out until at least December 2006.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, April and May
Yeovil took the lead through an early Phil Jevons free-kick away at Nottingham Forest but the Reds fought back to condemn Yeovil to a 2–1 defeat. Yeovil's penultimate home fixture of the season saw the visit of Gillingham. After falling behind, Yeovil scored four goals without reply through a Jevons penalty, Chris Cohen's first goal for the club, Paul Terry and Arron Davies, and despite a late fightback Yeovil held on for a 4–3 victory.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Review, April and May
A second half fightback in Yeovil's final away match of the season against promotion chasing Huddersfield Town, saw Yeovil confirm their League One status, thanks to a brace from topscorer Phil Jevons. Yeovil's final match of the season saw them welcome second place Colchester United, having already confirmed their safety Yeovil earned a credible 0–0 draw to finish the season in 15th position. The match also saw the club give youth team graduate Dale Williams his professional debut.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Summary and aftermath
After a sluggish start to the season, Yeovil's form recovered even after the departure of manager Gary Johnson in September, and confirmed their League One safety with one match to spare. In the league the team won 8 matches, drew 8 and lost 7 at home, compared to winning 7, drawing 3 and losing 13 away from home. Matt Harrold and Nathan Jones recorded the highest number of appearances during the season, appearing in 48 of Yeovil's 51 matches. Phil Jevons was Yeovil's top scorer for the second season in succession with 16 goals each, with 15 those coming in the league.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Summary and aftermath
The end of the season saw a major turnover of players with Steve Thompson initially releasing four players Richard Cullingford, Kevin Gall, Stephen Reed and Michael Rose. Despite Thompson wanting to offer him a contract young winger Dale Williams was allowed to leave by Chairman John Fry. Having not appeared for the club since his signing in January, Jamie Vincent was also released.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Summary and aftermath
Goalkeeper Steve Collis was also allowed to leave the club having not been offered a contract, while both Chris Weale and top-scorer Phil Jevons were reunited with former manager Gary Johnson at Bristol City after rejecting new contracts. Defender Adam Lockwood and Colin Miles also both rejected new contract offers and left the club. Captain Terry Skiverton agreed a one-year contract extension until the summer of 2008, and defender Scott Guyett and midfielders Andy Lindegaard and Paul Terry all agreed new one-year contracts. The club also handed professional deals to three members of their under-18 title winning side Craig Alcock, Thomas Clarke and Jake Smeeton.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Summary and aftermath
Despite successfully avoiding relegation, manager Steve Thompson was demoted by chairman John Fry back to his previous post of assistant, as the club hired former Grimsby Town manager Russell Slade as their new manager, on a three-year contract, with Kevin Hodges leaving the club. Slade's arrival also saw the appointment of John Milton as the club's new football general manager. Physio Glen Schmidt also left the club to join Johnson at Bristol City. The summer also saw Chairman John Fry purchase David Webb's 92% share in the club for a significant, although undisclosed sum, to become majority shareholder at the club as well as chairman and chief executive.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Summary and aftermath
The off-season also saw Arron Davies make his full international debut for Wales in a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago, after receiving his first cap Davies agreed a new two-year contract with Yeovil.


2005–06 Yeovil Town F.C. season, Match results
League positions are sourced from Statto, while the remaining contents of each table are sourced from the references in the "Ref" column.


2005–06 Ystalyfera RFC season
For the last two seasons Ystalyfera RFC had finished in 12th place narrowly avoiding relegation. At the end of this campaign the ‘Fera would again finish 12th, but thanks to a league re-structure and the demise of being deducted 3 points resulted in relegation to Division 4 South West.


2005–06 Ystalyfera RFC season
The end of 2005 started well. Up until January Ystalyfera had won six out of eleven matches. After the start of the new year however confidence ebbed away and the remaining fifteen saw only two wins, the last three being large defeats, 5-82 at Cwmavon where only 14 players were available and the bus broke down to add to the misery, 17-64 at Bryncoch and the last game of the season at home to Vardre 14-45.


2005–06 Ystalyfera RFC season
This last game was a replay of a 28 December fixture when although both sides were on the field and ready, no referee turned up and the game had to be postponed. Required contact with the nominated referee in the preceding week had been made but he later advised the WRU that he was ill and could not officiate. Although all league match referees are appointed by the WRU no automatic replacement was organised as the rules specify the home side must request for one. An appeal by the club on grounds that we were only aware of the referee’s illness on match day proved useless and three points were deducted. This was the ‘death knell’ Ystalyfera being 2 points short and relegated.


2005–06 Ystalyfera RFC season
Unusually no specific cup fixtures took place this season. Voided in the Welsh Cup after ‘scratching’ the year before, the Swansea Valley Cup was cancelled, and the West Wales Cup was broken up into three Cup, Plate and Bowl competitions based on the first ten league match results. Competition entry was selected by league position level, Ystalyfera’s merit table position was 7th out of 19 in the West Wales Tovali Bowl. Only the top four qualified for the play off.


2005–06 Ystalyfera RFC season
Damian James was Captain for a second year and was maximum points scorer with 148 and top try scorer with 13. Ryan Evans was voted the most popular amongst the Players while Jonathan Evans was voted Supporters Player of the year.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series
The Videocon Tri-Series was a three-team One Day International cricket tournament taking place in Zimbabwe between the hosts Zimbabwe, India and New Zealand. It started on 24 August 2005 and ended with the final on 6 September 2005, which New Zealand won by six wickets. Zimbabwe ended the tournament without a victory against a team other than rock-bottom Bangladesh for 35 ODI matches, since November 2003. Their last series win against a team other than Bangladesh or Kenya was, intriguingly, against New Zealand, in the 2000–01 season.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series
India are still without a tournament win since March 2004, coming off an 18-run defeat by Sri Lanka in the final of the 2005 Indian Oil Cup, while New Zealand were comprehensively defeated 5–0 by Australia at home in their last series before this tournament. Before that, however, they were undefeated in six tournaments. The Supersub rule, which means that a player can be substituted for another at any time, but once the player is off he can not return, was introduced for this tournament.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series
The stand-out performances came from Indian Mohammad Kaif, who hit 277 runs and was made Man of the Series, but Yuvraj Singh, and New Zealanders Stephen Fleming and Lou Vincent also passed 200 runs. On the bowling side, Shane Bond took 11 wickets at an average of just 8.63, despite being rested for one match, and Indian seamers Irfan Pathan and Ajit Agarkar also got more than 10 wickets.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Tournament structure
The sides played each other in a double round robin, meaning that each side played four matches, for a total of six matches. A win was worth five points, and a loss zero – however, if the winning team had a run rate (i.e. runs hit per over) higher than 1.25 times that of the opponent, a bonus point was awarded to the winning side, if not it went to the losing side. In the event of a tie or a no-result, each side was to be awarded three points. The top two teams on points went through to the one-match final.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 1st ODI, Zimbabwe v New Zealand 24 August
Lou Vincent and his New Zealand flayed a substandard Zimbabwe to all corners as they routed their way to the third highest score of all time in One Day International cricket. Despite the match being shortened to 44 overs a side following the discovery of a damp patch on the Bulawayo pitch, New Zealand hit runs right from the outset, and Zimbabwe did not take a wicket until the 28th over. By then, Vincent and Stephen Fleming had taken the score to 207 – already a fearsome total, and then you consider that 16 overs remained.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 1st ODI, Zimbabwe v New Zealand 24 August
No Zimbabwean bowler escaped the carnage, and it says something that debutant Anthony Ireland recorded the best bowling figures – still conceding 52 runs in his seven overs. Andy Blignaut, regarded as one of Zimbabwe's best bowlers, was dispatched for 96 runs – nine runs off the most expensive of all time. When the dust had settled, New Zealand had made 397 for 5 – one run short of Sri Lanka's nine-year-old record, which was set in 50 overs, and Brendon McCullum had equalled the fastest fifty for New Zealand, off 21 balls.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 1st ODI, Zimbabwe v New Zealand 24 August
Zimbabwe, naturally, could not answer this, and they were up against a much stronger bowling attack than their own. The openers Brendan Taylor and Stuart Carlisle survived 14 overs, scoring 62 runs, but Chris Cairns and Andre Adams inspired a collapse to 123 for 6. At one point, Zimbabwe threatened to break the record of highest ODI defeat ever (256 runs), but 45 from Heath Streak, including two sixes, took them past 200. Overall, 205 all out wasn't such a bad score. The problem was that they had been so utterly demolished in the first innings – and two days later, they were to meet India's feared batting line-up, including people like Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 2nd ODI, New Zealand v India, 26 August
This was Shane Bond's first match against a team other than Zimbabwe since his return from injury, and Bond returned in style to inspire yet another ODI defeat for India. It was a match of two batting collapses, however, as Indian pacemen Irfan Pathan and Ashish Nehra used the conditions well to take five wickets in New Zealand first 13 overs. Lou Vincent, Stephen Fleming, Nathan Astle and Hamish Marshall all fell for single-figure scores, and with Jacob Oram and Craig McMillan coming in to bat, the score was 36 for 5.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 2nd ODI, New Zealand v India, 26 August
However, the two batted responsibly together, even finding the time to hit a few sixes – most of them off Harbhajan Singh, who was carted for 55 runs in nine overs. In sixteen overs, the pair added 91 runs, and put New Zealand back on track. There were good scores from Chris Cairns, Brendon McCullum and Daniel Vettori too, and New Zealand put the new super sub rule to its full use and placed all-rounder Andre Adams at number 11 in the batting order. They finished on 215 all out, McCullum holing out with a straight hit that fell short of the boundary into Rahul Dravid's waiting hands, but his 49 turned out to be very crucial.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 2nd ODI, New Zealand v India, 26 August
Then it was Shane Bond's turn. He did not need to bat because of the substitute rule, and he came on for Nathan Astle at the start of India's innings. Taking the new ball, he immediately menaced the Indian captain Sourav Ganguly with short balls. Somehow, Ganguly survived the first over, but he was shaken and fell to Bond's eighth delivery of the day – caught by the wicket-keeper McCullum for 5. The next ball was faced by Venugopal Rao – an inswinging yorker that bamboozled the new batsman and slammed into his stumps, out bowled. And Bond just continued the slaughter. After he had bowled one ball of his sixth over, he stood with five wickets to his name, having added Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid and Mohammad Kaif to his tally. Andre Adams also took three wickets as India crashed to 44 for 8.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 2nd ODI, New Zealand v India, 26 August
For a while, India looked to threaten their worst all out score in ODI cricket of 54 against Sri Lanka, but Bond and Adams were taken off and the other bowlers just couldn't threaten. A well-paced partnership between Yadav and Pathan in fact threatened to turn the match around, but Bond came back, breaking up the partnership with a typical fast bowler's ball outside off stump to Pathan, who edged to McCullum behind the stumps. Four balls earlier, Bond had dropped Pathan off his own bowling. With the end of the partnership – worth 118 runs, eight off the Indian record – that broke Yadav's resistance, and he was out attempting a lofted drive over Craig McMillan, who could hold a simple catch to end the game.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 3rd ODI, Zimbabwe v India, 29 August
Zimbabwe crawled to their fourth loss of over 100 runs in the last five matches, as they were bowled out for their third-lowest all out score in ODIs by a rampant Irfan Pathan. It followed a promising bowling effort, as India had been restricted to 121 for 4 after 35 overs – Mohammad Kaif tied down, as he could only make 65 despite having faced 122 balls. Earlier, Heath Streak had dismissed Venugopal Rao caught behind for a three-ball duck.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 3rd ODI, Zimbabwe v India, 29 August
The dismissal of Kaif, however, brought a sense of haste to the Indian side. Dhoni slashed sixes off the youngsters Prosper Utseya and Ireland, needing only 39 balls to reach his fifty, which he did with a straight hit off Blignaut over the boundary fence for six. Trying to make another one in the very last over, he mistimed it slightly, and Blessing Mahwire could hold the catch. Ireland got another wicket, that of Ajit Agarkar, and so ended with figures of three for 54 – despite seven wides.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 3rd ODI, Zimbabwe v India, 29 August
The Zimbabwean batting effort, however, was spineless. In the match against New Zealand earlier on in the week, they had at least managed 205, but this time they could only bat respectably for seven overs. In the eighth over, Ajit Agarkar dismissed Vusi Sibanda and Hamilton Masakadza, and that started the collapse. In 10.4 overs, Zimbabwe could only muster 26 runs, and lost a total of eight wickets to crash to 43 for 9. By that time, no batsman had made it into double figures.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 3rd ODI, Zimbabwe v India, 29 August
Heath Streak and Prosper Utseya battled out for seven more overs, before Utseya was finally caught by Rahul Dravid for 11, leaving Zimbabwe all out for 65. Extras made up 13.8% of the total score, and was the third-highest scorer, thanks to all the wides bowled by Pathan, Nehra and Ajit Agarkar. Nevertheless, India had recorded a thumping victory, their highest by runs in two and a half years, but were still criticised by Cricinfo for not showing much improvement.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 4th ODI, Zimbabwe v New Zealand, 31 August
Zimbabwe suffered their third loss of the series, and although the margin of defeat was smaller, the way in which it was achieved suggested that Zimbabwean coach Kevin Curran still had a lot to work on. Admittedly, it started very well, as Streak got Vincent out with the third delivery of the match. Ireland continued his happy knack of getting wickets, getting the opposing skipper Stephen Fleming for 23 and Hamish Marshall for 7, as New Zealand struggled to 67 for 4.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 4th ODI, Zimbabwe v New Zealand, 31 August
However, Scott Styris and Astle fought back well. Styris made 63, relying on nurdling the singles into the leg side, as he only hit ten runs in boundaries. However, he held the innings together twice. The first time was in his 62-run partnership with Astle. Then, when both Oram and McCullum deserted him within six overs and the scoreboard showed 149 for 7, he remained calm. His partnership with Vettori carried New Zealand past 200, Vettori joining Styris in nurdling the ball – his 47 runs included only 12 in boundaries. Andy Blignaut then got three wickets with five balls as New Zealand were bowled out for 238.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 4th ODI, Zimbabwe v New Zealand, 31 August
However, Bond and Kyle Mills tied down the Zimbabwean batting effectively. After eight overs, Brendan Taylor and debutant Justice Chibhabha had both been caught by wicket-keeper McCullum, and the score was eight for 2. Sibanda played himself in, however, and looked to go on when he attempted a difficult second run and was run out for 21. The Zimbabwean batsmen just couldn't hit out at all, and by the end of the 35th over, they were 93 for 6 – having just seen Heath Streak out for 18, two balls after he had hit a thumping drive for six.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 4th ODI, Zimbabwe v New Zealand, 31 August
Needing 146 runs to win from 90 balls, Zimbabwe just went for the hit. Charles Coventry smashed two straight sixes, before top edging to the keeper for 35. Andy Blignaut also hit sixes, getting a 44-ball fifty, but the next two balls did not give any runs and he was caught at the boundary by Astle. The batsmen had crossed, so Blessing Mahwire – on 8 – faced the last ball of Bond's over, and duly mistimed a drive to Oram to complete the 27-run defeat.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 5th ODI, New Zealand v India, 2 September
New Zealand got plenty of practice in their last ODI of the group stage, but were found lacking after resting their best bowlers, Shane Bond and Daniel Vettori. Nehra and Pathan, India's opening bowlers, were taken for runs early on as they sought for wickets but the openers Fleming and Astle escaped, adding 44 in the first 10 overs before Fleming let himself loose with a couple of aerial shots on the off side to take ten off an over from Pathan.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 5th ODI, New Zealand v India, 2 September
Agarkar, who had come on for Nehra earlier, then had Astle caught behind for 11, but Vincent and Fleming continued to punish the bowling, and by the end of 15 overs they were 81 for 1 – Nehra having conceded 35 in five overs. However, once again Agarkar was responsible for a breakthrough, running out Fleming with a good throw after having picked up the ball in his follow-through.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 5th ODI, New Zealand v India, 2 September
Another run out three overs later saw Vincent back in the pavilion, having added 37, before Hamish Marshall was bowled through the gate for 8 by Yadav, and all of a sudden New Zealand were 115 for 4, and patience was required from Styris and McMillan. They played that role well, only hitting 16 runs in boundaries between them yet adding 87 together, setting the stage for hard hitting from wicket-keeper McCullum. Styris, once again, was the highest scorer of the New Zealand innings.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 5th ODI, New Zealand v India, 2 September
After playing himself in, McCullum first hit a six off Agarkar to end the 44th over, before unleashing himself in the 46th. He was caught off a no-ball and dropped off the next delivery, and then smashed the remaining five balls for eighteen, with three fours and one six. Having added 28 in total, he then was caught by Kaif, but the pace was set. New Zealand notched up 31 runs in the final three overs, not bothering much with the loss of wickets, and ended with 278 for 9.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 5th ODI, New Zealand v India, 2 September
However, India quickly showed their intent. As Andre Adams pitched it short outside the off stump, Virender Sehwag feasted, smashing sixteen off one over, and taking only 34 balls for his 45 before dragging a ball from Oram into his own stumps. With the other opener, Sourav Ganguly, having made 19, India had made a solid start, with 75 runs coming off 50 deliveries. Rahul Dravid and Mohammad Kaif came to the crease, and the pair slowed down the run rate somewhat, but still hit plenty of boundaries when opportunities arose, keeping the required rate around 5.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 5th ODI, New Zealand v India, 2 September
New Zealand's bowlers tried to apply pressure, but only Scott Styris managed to do so with any consistency, bowling nine overs in a spell before his last over yielded 10 runs – which prompted Fleming to bring on spinner Jeetan Patel. Dhoni came on a few overs earlier as Yuvraj was out for 22, and the big-hitting wicket-keeper punished Patel with two straight sixes to bring the equation from 19 off 22 to 7 off 20. Dhoni then ended the match with six runs off the balls from Andre Adams, who conceded 67 runs in total, to see India into the final and make the last match with Zimbabwe academic.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 6th ODI, Zimbabwe v India, 4 September
Zimbabwe lost this match in the first three and the last ten overs, fighting well for the other 85. They lost Sibanda and Masakadza in the third over to the left-arm seamer R. P. Singh, who celebrated his ODI debut with two wickets in his second over, and Ajit Agarkar tied down the other end with accurate outswing.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 6th ODI, Zimbabwe v India, 4 September
However, Brendan Taylor and Tatenda Taibu fought back with boundaries through the third man and point regions, building a partnership of 46 for the third wicket before Yuvraj Singh was responsible for his third run out of the tournament, forcing down the stumps at the striker's end with a well-timed throw.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 6th ODI, Zimbabwe v India, 4 September
Zimbabwe, however, still had their captain Taibu in, and joined by the hard-hitting Coventry he set out to give Zimbabwe a competitive score. The pair batted responsibly, yet did not stay away from punishing the balls delivered on an errant length, and in 11 overs the pair added 60 runs as Zimbabwe moved to 110 for 3 at the halfway mark, with Taibu on 51. Sourav Ganguly even brought himself on to stop the Zimbabwean onslaught, but after delivering two no-balls and a wide and conceding 24 runs in four overs he wisely left bowling to the specialists.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 6th ODI, Zimbabwe v India, 4 September
Yadav got smashed early on, but recovered well to bowl a maiden over and take the wicket of Taibu for 71. However, that brought the hard-hitting Blignaut to the crease, and he and Coventry attacked the bowlers with venom. Coventry had a particular love for Murali Kartik, whom he took for one six and one four in an over, before finally hitting one lofted straight shot too much, and Kartik could hold the catch – gone for 74, his first ODI fifty. The partnership of Coventry and Blignaut had added 61 from 49 deliveries.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 6th ODI, Zimbabwe v India, 4 September
The last five overs were not quite as productive, however, with Agarkar keeping the run rate down and taking wickets in the process, but Zimbabwe still set a target of 251. Sehwag and Ganguly opened for India, and Sehwag started in typical fashion, taking boundaries off both Mahwire and Ireland, but Mahwire got one onto his stumps as he was bowled for 12. Things quickly went from bad to worse for India, with skipper Ganguly edging to Vusi Sibanda for 2, before Rahul Dravid and Mohammad Kaif were dismissed in successive overs.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 6th ODI, Zimbabwe v India, 4 September
India used their super sub, bringing on Venugopal Rao for R. P. Singh, and Venugopal and Yuvraj Singh took some early hits off Blignaut and Ireland to calm the jitters. Nevertheless, by the end of the 20 power play overs India were 82 for 4, needing 169 to win off the remaining 30 overs.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 6th ODI, Zimbabwe v India, 4 September
At the end of the powerplay overs, Taibu brought on his spinners Gavin Ewing and Prosper Utseya, and the two frustrated the Indian batsmen, only giving up eight runs in four overs. With the required run rate ballooning, India needed singles, and Keith Dabengwa could run out the non-striker Venugopal Rao with a direct hit as Rao attempted the single while Yuvraj stood his ground. Dhoni, coming in at seven, kept his head cool against the spinners in the remaining overs, though, as he was tied down by Sean Williams and Dabengwa.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Match details, 6th ODI, Zimbabwe v India, 4 September
However, in the 39th over he unleashed himself, taking a six and a four off Sean Williams as he quickly moved to 42. Yuvraj also hit plenty of runs, as the Zimbabwean seamers were smashed around the ground, and his 120 eventually secured victory – even though he was caught by Dabengwa off Blignaut. It didn't matter. India needed six from the last three overs, but only hit one off the third to last, before Dhoni got to face Mahwire and promptly smashed the last ball for six to win the game for India.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Final, New Zealand v India, 6 September
India lost the Final as they went down to New Zealand in Harare. And yet again, they threw away a very promising start. Batting first after Sourav Ganguly won the toss, the returning Shane Bond and Kyle Mills kept them down for the first two overs, bowling an accurate line as the score moved to five for no loss. Sehwag and Ganguly eventually found their feet, though, and after thirteen overs they had added 72 runs, despite being beaten time and again.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Final, New Zealand v India, 6 September
Jacob Oram conceded fifteen runs off his first eleven deliveries, but Ganguly holed out as he was caught by Hamish Marshall. At 72 for 1, India were well in control, and Mohammad Kaif started to accumulate with Sehwag. Boundaries came with regularity, as India moved past 100 and then past 150 without losing a wicket. At 153 for 1 after 24 overs, they were genuinely looking at a chance to get 300.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Final, New Zealand v India, 6 September
Sehwag, however, was caught by Lou Vincent for 75, and that started a flurry of wickets for New Zealand. Rahul Dravid, who had had a poor series with only 64 runs in four innings, continued on that vein of form as he was deceived by a quick arm ball from Daniel Vettori for a two-ball 0 – Vettori's second wicket of the innings. Astle, Mills and Vettori tied down the batsmen, as no boundaries were given up in the next eight overs, and Yuvraj felt like he had to attack.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Final, New Zealand v India, 6 September
He got away with a lofted shot through midwicket for four on the second ball of a Mills over, but shortly afterwards he had a feel at a short ball which landed in Shane Bond's hands – and Yuvraj was gone for a stifled 20. Kaif was still in, but he ran out of partners, as no one could help him keep the run rate up.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Final, New Zealand v India, 6 September
Jacob Oram got three wickets to redeem his figures, ending with four for 58, although the latter three came in the last ten overs – one of them was Yadav, who gave a simple leading edge to the wicket-keeper McCullum, and the last was a straight drive from Pathan which fell short of the boundary and into Lou Vincent's hands. With Dhoni adjudged lbw to a ball that struck him in the stomach as well, India were all out for 276, Kaif left stranded on 93 not out after taking a single on the first ball of the over.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Final, New Zealand v India, 6 September
New Zealand's batting effort started quietly, with Irfan Pathan using the hint of swing to bowl a maiden to captain Fleming first up. But inaccurate line and length in the next five overs allowed New Zealand to plunder 62, Fleming hitting five fours from the 5th over, and the run rate raced along. By the end of 15 power play overs, New Zealand had made 112 for no loss, Fleming having made a 51-ball half-century while Astle was on 45. Ganguly turned to his spinners, banking on Virender Sehwag to give him a few tight overs, and he complied.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Final, New Zealand v India, 6 September
The first over conceded four runs, and in his second he held a return catch as Fleming went for 61. Four balls later, Hamish Marshall was out for 3, and India were in with a small shout. However, well-timed innings from Scott Styris, who made 37, and Craig McMillan with 13, and the occasional awful over – JP Yadav's only contribution to the match was a 14-run over – left New Zealand with 72 in 12.3 overs with six wickets in hand.


2005–06 Zimbabwe Tri-Nation Series, Final, New Zealand v India, 6 September
With Lou Vincent and Nathan Astle in good hitting form – they took 17 off a Harbhajan over as Astle brought up his 100 with his first six of the match – this was no problem, and Vincent won New Zealand the game by hitting Agarkar for four with 11 balls to spare.


2005–06 curling season
The 2005-06 curling season began in September 2005 and ended in April 2006.


2005–06 curling season, CCA ranking events, Women's
* Non-Canadians who win events are not counted in the rankings. * *Non eligible team


2005–06 in Argentine football
The 2005–06 Argentine First Division Apertura was a nail biter. After a head-to-head finish in the last weeks Boca Juniors took the trophy home. Gimnasia de La Plata will have to wait for their first-ever championship.


2005–06 in Argentine football
The 2005–06 Argentine First Division Clausura saw Boca Juniors become the first team since River Plate in 1999–2000 to win the Apertura and the Clausura in the same season. This capped an amazing year for Boca, as they won every tournament they were eligible (they were not eligible for the Copa Libertadores after a dismal Clausura last season). Lanús were the big surprise of the Clausura, as they finished second in the league. Boca also achieved 80 points in a season for the first time since 1998/99 when they scored 89 points.


2005–06 in Argentine football
Argentina drew one of the most difficult groups in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, advanced to the second round but lost against hosts Germany in the quarter-finals.


2005–06 in Argentine football
After an abysmal season, Instituto and Tiro Federal were relegated to the Nacional B Division a few weeks before the end of the tournament. The next two worst teams in the relegation standings, Argentinos Juniors and Olimpo de Bahía Blanca, played a Promoción playoff (home and away) series against Huracán and Belgrano de Córdoba, respectively, for two spots in next year's Argentine First Division. Argentinos Juniors remains in the top category after drawing with Huracán twice. Olimpo, however, were relegated to Nacional B after losing twice to Belgrano.


2005–06 in Argentine football, Torneo Clausura ("Closing" Tournament), Relegation, "Promoción" playoff
Argentinos Juniors remains in the Argentine First Division after a 3 - 3 aggregate tie by virtue of a "sports advantage". In case of a tie in goals, the team from the First Division gets to stay in it.


2005–06 in Argentine football, Torneo Clausura ("Closing" Tournament), Relegation, "Promoción" playoff
Belgrano de Córdoba wins 4-2 and is promoted to Argentine First Division. Olimpo de Bahia Blanca is relegated to the Argentine Nacional B.


2005–06 in Argentine football, National team
This section covers Argentina's matches from August 1, 2005 to July 31, 2006.


2005–06 in Australian soccer
The following article is a summary of the 2005–06 football season in Australia, which was the first season following the formation of the A-League.


2005–06 in Australian soccer, A-League
The inaugural 2005–06 A-League season began on 26 August 2005 and ended on 5 March 2006.


2005–06 in Australian soccer, A-League Pre-Season Challenge Cup
The inaugural 2005 A-League Pre-Season Challenge Cup began on 22 July 2005 and ended on 20 August 2005.


2005–06 in Australian soccer, International club competititons, OFC Club Championship
The 2005 OFC Club Championship began on 31 May 2005 and ended on 10 June 2005. Sydney FC entered as winners of the 2005 Australian Club World Championship Qualifying Tournament.


2005–06 in Australian soccer, International club competititons, FIFA Club World Championship
The 2005 FIFA Club World Championship ran from 11 to 18 December 2005. Sydney FC qualified as winners of the 2005 OFC Club Championship.


2005–06 in Australian soccer, National teams, Men's senior, Friendlies
The following is a list of friendlies played by the men's senior national team in 2005–06.


2005–06 in Australian soccer, National teams, Men's under-23, Friendlies
The following is a list of friendlies played by the men's under-23 national team in 2005–06.


2005–06 in Australian soccer, National teams, Men's under-20, Friendlies
The following is a list of friendlies played by the men's under-20 national team in 2005–06.


2005–06 in Australian soccer, National teams, Men's under-17, Friendlies
The following is a list of friendlies played by the men's under-17 national team in 2005–06.


2005–06 in Australian soccer, National teams, Women's senior, Friendlies
The following is a list of friendlies played by the women's senior national team in 2005–06.


2005–06 in Australian soccer, National teams, Women's under-20, Friendlies
The following is a list of friendlies played by the women's senior national team in 2005–06.


2005–06 in Belgian football
The 2005–06 season was the 103rd competitive season in Belgian football.


2005–06 in Belgian football, Overview
For the first season since 2000, the football fancard is not needed to see a first division game. Tickets for matches can now be purchased with a single ID card and on the day of the match, which was not permitted since the introduction of the fancard. Furthermore, for the second season in history (the first time was in the 1960s), one game of each matchday is shown on public television. Another premiere is that every Jupiler League game can be watched on a private television channel.


2005–06 in Belgian football, National team
Belgium continued their qualifying campaign for the Football World Cup 2006 but did not qualify.


2005–06 in Belgian football, National team
* Belgium score given first ** Match stopped after 65 minutes because of bad weather


2005–06 in Cape Verdean football
In the 2005–06 season of competitive football (soccer) in Cape Verde


2005–06 in Cape Verdean football, Final standings, Cape Verdean Football Championships
FC Derby and Académico do Aeroporto were first in each group along with  Botafogo of São Filipe and Sporting Praia, second of each group. Académico do Aeroporto do Sal and Sporting Praia had the most points numbering 12 . Derby scored the most with 13 goals followed by Académico do Aeroporto with 12 goals, Botafogo with nine and Sporting with eight.


2005–06 in Cape Verdean football, Final standings, Cape Verdean Football Championships
In the semis, Académico do Aeroporto advanced into the finals with 8 goals scored in two matches, the largest in the second leg match where they defeated Botafogo 6-0 in Espargos which made it one of the highest scored match at the knockout stage of the national championships. Also Sporting Praia advanced to the finals with 2 goals scored over Derby in two legs, Sporting won the first with 2 goals and Derby won the second with a goal. In the finals, Sporting defeated Sal's Académico do Aeroporto at Estádio Marcelo Leitão in Espargos 0-1, the match in Praia ended in a two goal draw, with a total of 3 goals scored by Sporting Praia, they won their fifth championship match, their next in four years


2005–06 in Cape Verdean football, Final standings, Island or regional competitions, Regional Super Cups
The 2005 champion winner played with a 2005 cup winner (when a club won both, a second place club competed).


2005–06 in Danish football
The 2005-06 season in Danish football, starting July 2005 and ending June 2006:


2005–06 in English football
The 2005–06 season was the 126th season of competitive association football in England.


2005–06 in English football, National team
England qualified for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, after finishing top of UEFA Qualifying Group 6.


2005–06 in English football, League tables, FA Premier League
Chelsea, on 91 points, won their second Premier League title in a row. Manchester United, whose 83-point tally would have been enough for title glory in most seasons, finished runners-up. Liverpool's league form improved drastically following the previous season and they finished in third place, just one point behind United; in addition, they also won the FA Cup, giving manager Rafael Benítez his second major trophy in just his second season. Arsenal snatched the last Champions League spot from under the noses of local rivals Tottenham Hotspur, after the latter's players went down with a bout of food-poisoning. The Gunners' 4–2 victory over Wigan Athletic on the final day of the season saw them end 92 years of playing at Highbury before they moved into their new 60,000-seat Emirates Stadium.


2005–06 in English football, League tables, FA Premier League
Ultimately joining Tottenham in the UEFA Cup were Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United who were promoted the previous season and took the European spot by virtue of being FA Cup runners-up. Despite narrowly losing on penalties to Liverpool, the Hammers enjoyed a successful first season back amongst the elite, finishing in a comfortable 9th place.


2005–06 in English football, League tables, FA Premier League
Fellow newly promoted side Wigan, who were many pundit's tip for relegation in pre-season, defied the odds to finish 10th in their first season in the top-flight. Everton crashed out of the Champions League early and were in the relegation zone by October, but a good run of results both after Halloween and in the new year saw them comfortably finish in 11th. Middlesbrough finished 14th after a disappointing league season, but did reach the UEFA Cup Final – the first European final in their history – where they were beaten 4–0 by Sevilla.


2005–06 in English football, League tables, FA Premier League
In contrast to the other promoted sides, Sunderland, last seasons Championship winners, were relegated with a league record low of 15 points, breaking the previous record that they set themselves in 2002–03, while West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City both hit the 30-point mark and battled bravely, but both were unable to avoid relegation after dismal runs of league form (the Baggies going winless from February onwards, with Birmingham unable to shake off poor away form). Portsmouth spent almost the entire season in the relegation zone, but after the return of Harry Redknapp (many Portsmouth fans were convinced Redknapp only went to bitter rivals Southampton last season just to get them relegated), they stayed up after a late run of good results.


2005–06 in English football, League tables, The Football League, Football League Championship
Reading entered the top flight for the first time in their history, breaking Sunderland's points record of 105 in the process by accumulating 106 points (coincidentally, Sunderland were relegated from the Premier League while breaking the record for lowest number of points under the current scoring system). Sheffield United joined them, returning to the Premier League after twelve years and earning Neil Warnock his fourth promotion as a manager. Surprise package Watford, initially tipped for relegation, entered the play-offs and beat Leeds United 3–0 in the Millennium Stadium final, who were unable to shake off a bad run of form (worse than any of the three relegated sides) that saw them lose out in the race for automatic promotion.


2005–06 in English football, League tables, The Football League, Football League Championship
Crystal Palace fared the best out of the teams relegated from the Premier League the previous season, by getting to the play-offs but losing in the semi-finals. Norwich never managed better than mid-table, while Southampton endured an awful season that saw Sir Clive Woodward take up a much-criticized role as director of football, manager Harry Redknapp return to local rivals Portsmouth and the side looking in danger of relegation for much of the season, only managing a mid-table finish with a late surge in form, thanks to the appointment of George Burley. Chairman Rupert Lowe ultimately paid the price by being forced to resign after the end of the season.


2005–06 in English football, League tables, The Football League, Football League Championship
The relegation battle was principally fought by four sides: Crewe, Brighton, Millwall and Sheffield Wednesday. Wednesday ultimately won the battle, and the remaining three were relegated all on the same day, after Wednesday beat Brighton 2–0. Although Crewe and Brighton had not spent long in the division and were considered to be punching above their weight, Millwall underwent a disastrous season, getting through five managers and four chairmen before relegation.


2005–06 in English football, League tables, The Football League, Football League One
Southend United surprised many by winning a second successive promotion, returning to the Championship after nearly a decade (when it was called Division One). Colchester United also made the Championship for the first time in their history, but their promotion was tempered by the loss of manager Phil Parkinson to Hull City. A highly competitive play-off race saw Barnsley emerge as winners, beating Swansea City at the Millennium Stadium 4–3 on penalties after both normal time and extra-time finished 2–2, to return to the Championship after three seasons of struggle in Division Two/League One.


2005–06 in English football, League tables, The Football League, Football League One
Following relegation and becoming the first former European champions to be subsequently relegated to the third tier of their domestic league, Nottingham Forest struggled for most of the season and were in danger of suffering a second successive relegation. The departure of Gary Megson saw a late upturn in form and surge towards the play-offs; however, they missed out on the last day of the season, finishing 7th.


2005–06 in English football, League tables, The Football League, Football League One
At the bottom, Walsall endured their second relegation in three seasons, Swindon became the first former Premier League side to slip to the bottom division. Hartlepool crashed out of the division after nearly earning promotion last season, while MK Dons suffered the relegation they only avoided the previous season when Wrexham were docked points for entering administration.


2005–06 in English football, League tables, The Football League, Football League One
Leading goalscorers: Billy Sharp (Scunthorpe United) – 23, and Freddy Eastwood (Southend United) – 23


2005–06 in English football, League tables, The Football League, Football League Two
Carlisle United were another side who earned a second successive promotion, only two years after a relegation from the League that some predicted would see the end of the club. Northampton Town joined them, making up for two seasons of play-off disappointment, and Leyton Orient ended a decade in the bottom division by earning promotion in almost the last minute of the season. Grimsby Town conceded on 91 minutes, and 14 seconds after the fans of Orient celebrated, Lee Steele scored to seal promotion for Orient.


2005–06 in English football, League tables, The Football League, Football League Two
Wycombe started the season with a 21-game unbeaten run that saw five of their players named in the PFA League Two team of the year. Two tragic off-the-field events, however, saw them fall away in the second part of the season before losing to Cheltenham Town in the playoff semi-finals. Grimsby Town lost 1–0 to Cheltenham in the final at the Millennium Stadium.


2005–06 in English football, League tables, The Football League, Football League Two
Rushden & Diamonds failed to improve on the previous season, and paid the price with relegation to the Conference. Oxford United joined them, despite the return of manager Jim Smith, and became the first former winners of a major trophy to be relegated to the Conference, doing so on the last day of the season.


2005–06 in English football, Transfer deals, Summer transfer window
The summer transfer window ran from the end of the previous season until 31 August.


2005–06 in English football, Transfer deals, January transfer window
The mid-season transfer window ran from 1 to 31 January 2006.


2005–06 in English football, Transfer deals, January transfer window
For subsequent transfer deals see List of English football transfers 2006–07


2005–06 in Italian football
The 2005–2006 season was the 104th season of competitive football in Italy. Due to a match fixing scandal, the Serie A title was awarded to Inter Milan instead of Juventus, and were also relegated to Serie B the following season for the first time in its history. Juventus were also stripped of the previous season's Serie A title.


2005–06 in Malaysian football, Super League Malaysia
The 2006-07 Premier League season, the third season since its establishment on 2004, started on December 3, 2005.


2005–06 in Malaysian football, Super League Malaysia, League table
Pld = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; F = Goals for; A = Goals against; GD = Goal difference; Pts = Points


2005–06 in Portuguese football
The 2005–06 season in Portuguese football saw Porto, led by Co Adriaanse, clinch their 21st title and win the Taça de Portugal. Sporting CP secured second place, which gives them a direct entrance into next season's UEFA Champions League. Benfica had a disappointing season, although they returned to the spotlight of European football with a good run in the Champions League, reaching the quarter-finals.


2005–06 in Portuguese football
Braga and Nacional challenged Sporting CP, Benfica and Porto for a major part of the season. Nacional, in particular, broke up "Big Three" for most of the season, defeating Sporting 2–1 at home in a memorable victory before ultimately falling away towards the end of the season. Braga finished the season in fourth place and Nacional finished fifth in the table after having slipped all the way to seventh at one point. Two famous Portuguese clubs, Vitória de Guimarães and Belenenses, were relegated.


2005–06 in Portuguese football
Also of note was the suspension of Benfica midfielder Nuno Assis after testing positive for a banned substance in a league match . This positive test has been challenged very aggressively by Benfica's management, as the tests seem to have failed to follow proper procedures , as 72 hours passed between the collection of the sample and the tests.


2005–06 in Portuguese football
Early in the season, Benfica won the SuperCup Cândido de Oliveira in a match against previous cup winner Vitória de Setúbal.


2005–06 in Portuguese football
In European club competitions, Benfica reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League after eliminating Manchester United in the group phase and title-holders Liverpool in the last-32, only to be eliminated in the quarter-finals by eventual Champions Barcelona. Meanwhile, Porto had a relatively poor European season, failing to qualify through the group stage and finishing fourth in their group, missing out in a spot in the 2005–06 UEFA Cup final phase.


2005–06 in Portuguese football
Sporting was eliminated in the third qualifying round of the Champions League by Udinese and, after demotion to qualification for the UEFA Cup, was eliminated at the hands of Halmstads BK. All Portuguese teams failed to qualify for the group stage of the UEFA Cup save for Vitória de Guimarães, which surpassed Wisła Kraków but failed to progress past the group stages.


2005–06 in Portuguese football
In international football, the Portugal national team secured a place in Germany's 2006 FIFA World Cup, where they were grouped alongside Mexico, Iran and newcomer Angola.


2005–06 in Portuguese football, Liga, Promoted teams
These teams were promoted from the Liga de Honra at the start of the season:


2005–06 in Portuguese football, Liga, UEFA competitions and relegations
These teams were qualified for the UEFA competitions of 2006-07:


2005–06 in Portuguese football, Liga, UEFA competitions and relegations
These teams were relegated to the League of Honour at the end of the season:


2005–06 in Portuguese football, Liga, UEFA competitions and relegations
The SuperLiga will be reduced from 18 to 16 teams for 2006–07. To accommodate this, four teams were relegated from the SuperLiga, with only two promoted from the Liga da Honra.


2005–06 in Portuguese football, Cup of Portugal
Porto won their 17th Portuguese Cup after beating Vitória de Setúbal) 1–0 on 14 May 2006.


2005–06 in Portuguese football, Liga de Honra, Promoted and relegated teams
These teams were relegated from the Primeira Liga at the start of the season:


2005–06 in Portuguese football, Liga de Honra, Promoted and relegated teams
These teams were promoted from the Portuguese Second Division B at the start of the season:


2005–06 in Portuguese football, Liga de Honra, Promotions and relegations
These teams were promoted to the Liga betandwin.com at the end of the season:


2005–06 in Portuguese football, Liga de Honra, Promotions and relegations
These teams were relegated to the Second Division at the end of the season:


2005–06 in Portuguese football, Second Division, Promoted and relegated teams
The organization of the Second Division was changed for the 2005-06 season. The name was changed from Second Division B to Second Division, and the Northern, Central and Southern zones were abolished to be replaced by another geographical scheme with 4 alphabetically named series.


2005–06 in Portuguese football, Second Division, Promoted and relegated teams
Only one team was relegated from the League of Honour at the start of the season:


2005–06 in Portuguese football, Second Division, Promoted and relegated teams
16th placed Gondomar and 17th placed Chaves that would normally be relegated to the Second Division, were allowed to play again in the League of Honour, since 11th placed Felgueiras and 13th placed Alverca closed their football sections.


2005–06 in Portuguese football, Second Division, Promoted and relegated teams
These teams were promoted from the Terceira Divisão at the start of the season:


2005–06 in Portuguese football, Second Division, Promoted and relegated teams
At the end of the 2004-05 season, the winner of the Third Division Serie Azores had to a playoff with the worst placed Azorean team in the Second Division B Southern Zone. 13th placed SC Lusitânia lost the first leg 1-2 to Serie Azores champions FC Madalena, but won the second leg 1-0. Because the Portuguese system doesn't apply the away goal rule, the teams went to penalties, in which Madalena won 5-4.


2005–06 in Portuguese football, Second Division, Promoted and relegated teams
Meanwhile, Académico de Viseu, that was scheduled to play in the 2005-06 season in the Second Division Series C, decided to quit early in the season, and was accordingly relegated to the district championships. Another entrance in the division was the reserve team Vitória FC "de Setúbal" B.


2005–06 in Portuguese football, Second Division, Promotion and relegation
According to the Portuguese Football Federation, only two teams will be promoted to the League of Honour at the end of the season. The champions of Series A will play their Series B counterparts in a playoff, and the same will happen for the champions of Series D and C. The winners will be promoted to the League of Honour.


2005–06 in Portuguese football, Second Division, Promotion and relegation
Also according to the Federation, the last 4 of every Series will be relegated to the Third Division. And, if a reserve "B" team is relegated or quits, another additional team will be relegated to the Third Division.


2005–06 in Portuguese football, Portugal national team
KEY:  WCQ3 = World Cup Qualification match - Group 3; F = Friendly


2005–06 in Portuguese rink hockey
In 2005-06, FC Porto won the Championship for the 5th time in a row with 10 points of advantage over the runners-up S.L. Benfica. FC Porto also won the Portuguese Cup, playing in the final with Juventude de Viana and winning 7-4 and the Portuguese SuperCup, winning against Benfica in a two-legged final. These competitions are organized by Federação Portuguesa de Patinagem. In the European competitions, FC Porto was the runner up on the Champions League.


2005–06 in Portuguese rink hockey, Domestic Club Competitions, The Championship
The Rink Hockey Portuguese Championship in 2005-06 had 14 teams participating and was divided in 2 phases. In the first, every team played each other, each team making 26 games. A win as awarded 3 points, a draw 1 point and a loss 0 points. After the 1st phase, the points of all teams were divided in half (if 21, then 21/2 = 10,5 = 11) and the championship was divided into 2 groups: A and B. The Group A had the 6 best teams in the 1st phase fighting for the title. Group B had the other 8 teams fighting to avoid relegation.


2005–06 in Portuguese rink hockey, Domestic Club Competitions, The Championship
FC Porto was the champion for the 5th time in a row.


2005–06 in Portuguese rink hockey, Domestic Club Competitions, The Championship, 2nd Phase - Group A
The top two clubes from the championship and the Portuguese Cup winner would get a spot at the European Champions League. The next three clubs in the table would get a spot in CERS Cup. As FC Porto won the Cup and had a right to a spot for finishing 1st, one spot for the European Champions League has been given to OC Barcelos and a CERS Cup spot has been given to Candelária SC.


2005–06 in Portuguese rink hockey, Domestic Club Competitions, The Championship, 2nd Phase - Group B
HC Braga, S Alenquer B, CD Nortecoope and Famalicense AC are relegated to 2nd Division. AD Valongo, J Ouriense, AE Física D and HC Sintra are promoted from the 2nd division to the 1st.


2005–06 in Portuguese rink hockey, Domestic Club Competitions, Portuguese Cup, Round of 16 to Final
The Final-Four games (semifinals and final) were played on 17 and 18 June 2006 in Mealhada.


2005–06 in Portuguese rink hockey, European Club Competitions, Cers Cup
Only CD Portosantense participated in this competition: other Portuguese teams who had the chance declined, claiming financial reasons.


2005–06 in Portuguese rink hockey, National team, 2006 European Championship
The Portuguese National team played the Rink Hockey European Championship in Monza, Italy from 16 to 22 July 2006. Portugal ended the competition in the 3rd place.


2005–06 in Romanian football
The 2005–06 Romanian first division was a very tight season. Steaua, Rapid and Dinamo were very close in the table, and teams like CFR Cluj and FCU Politehnica Timişoara were competitive in their bids for a position to qualify for the European Cups.


2005–06 in Romanian football
The Romanian national team did not go to the 2006 FIFA World Cup.


2005–06 in Romanian football, European Cups, UEFA Champions League, Steaua București
This section will cover Steaua's games from July 27, 2005 until the start of August 23, 2005.


2005–06 in Romanian football, European Cups, UEFA Cup, Steaua București
This section will cover Steaua's games from September 23, 2005 until today.


2005–06 in Romanian football, European Cups, UEFA Cup, Rapid București
This section will cover Rapid's games from July 14, 2005 until today.


2005–06 in Romanian football, European Cups, UEFA Cup, Dinamo București
This section will cover Dinamo's games from August 11, 2005 until December 14, 2005.


2005–06 in Romanian football, European Cups, UEFA Intertoto Cup, CFR Ecomax Cluj
This section will cover CFR Cluj's games from June 18, 2005 until August 23, 2005.


2005–06 in Romanian football, European Cups, UEFA Intertoto Cup, Gloria Bistriţa
This section will cover Gloria's games from June 18, 2005 until July 10, 2005.


2005–06 in Romanian football, Romania national team
This section will cover Romania's games from July 1, 2005 until the start of 2008 European Championship (qualifying).


2005–06 in Scottish football
The 2005–06 season was the 109th season of competitive football in Scotland.


2005–06 in Scottish football, League competitions, Scottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League 2005–06 season finished in May 2006 with Celtic as champions. Livingston were relegated to the First Division and First Division winners St Mirren were promoted. For the first time in 11 years, when Celtic finished fourth behind Rangers, Motherwell and Hibernian, the Old Firm were separated with Rangers finishing third behind Hearts. Kris Boyd was the top scorer with 32 goals (15 for Kilmarnock and 17 for Rangers). Attendances went up to 3.7 million, the highest figure in top-flight Scottish football since the 1960s.


2005–06 in Scottish football, Other honours, Cup honours
Hearts became the first non-Old Firm club to win the Scottish Cup since they themselves lifted the trophy in 1998. Second Division side Gretna became the first club in history from the third-tier of Scottish football to reach the final. Celtic meanwhile lifted the League Cup in what was manager Gordon Strachan's first trophy as manager. St Mirren were winners of the Challenge Cup in a season that would eventually see them promoted to the SPL. Auchinleck Talbot lifted the Junior Cup.


2005–06 in Scottish football, Scotland national team
Scotland failed in their attempt to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, eventually finishing third in their group. However, significant improvement was shown in results with just two defeats from nine matches, compared with four defeats from nine during the previous season. Wins against Moldova and Norway and a draw at home to Italy had raised hopes that Scotland could gain second place behind Italy and therefore enter the play-offs. However a 1–0 defeat at home to Belarus ended their hopes of qualification. They finished the season strongly, however, with a victory over Slovenia and also lifted the Kirin Cup — beating Bulgaria and drawing with hosts Japan.


2005–06 in Swedish bandy
The 2005–06 season in Swedish bandy, starting August 2005 and ending July 2006:


2005–06 in Venezuelan football
The following article presents a summary of the 2005-06 football season in Venezuela.


2005–06 in Venezuelan football, "Championship" playoff
Caracas F.C. and U.A. Maracaibo ended with one championship each at the end of the Apertura and Clausura. Tournament rules establish that a playoff game is required.


2005–06 in Welsh football
This article lists major events during the 2005-06 season in Welsh football.


2005–06 in Welsh football, National team
Wales failed to qualify for the World Cup held in Germany. John Toshack's side had finished 2nd bottom of a group that contained England, Poland, Austria, Northern Ireland, Azerbaijan and themselves. The side only managed to beat Azerbaijan and draw with Northern Ireland.


2005–06 in Welsh football, Welsh Cup
Rhyl beat Bangor City 2–0 in the final of the Welsh Cup.


2005–06 in Welsh football, Welsh League Cup
Total Network Solutions beat Port Talbot Town 4–0 in the final of the Welsh League Cup.


2005–06 in Welsh football, Welsh Premier League
Total Network Solutions won the Welsh Premier League and the full-time professional club met Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers in the summer of 2005. TNS lost both legs 3–0. In May 2006 the club changed their name to The New Saints F.C..


2005–06 in Welsh football, Welsh Premier League
Llanelli revealed plans to become only the 2nd full-time side in the League of Wales. Llanelli then finished in their highest ever position in the league of Wales.


2005–06 in Welsh football, FA Cup
Wembley Stadium closed during rebuilding so the FA Cup was held in Cardiff. The Millennium Stadium hosted the FA Cup finals between 2001 to 2006. Liverpool won the 2001 cup and also won the 2006 cup. From 2007 on the FA Cup was played at the new Wembley stadium.


2005–06 snooker season
The 2005–06 snooker season was a series of snooker tournaments played between 17 May 2005 and 10 May 2006. There were six ranking tournaments, and the British Open and Irish Masters tournaments were removed from calendar. The Northern Ireland Trophy was held for the first time as non-ranking tournament, and the Pot Black was held again after a 12-year hiatus.


2005–06 snooker season, New professional players
Note: new in this case means that these players were not on the 2004/2005 professional Main Tour.


2005–06 snooker season, Calendar
The following table outlines the results and dates for the ranking and major invitational events that took place.


2005–06 snooker season, Official rankings
The top 16 of the world rankings, these players automatically played in the final rounds of the world ranking events and were invited for the Masters.


2005–06 synchronized skating season
The 2005–06 synchronized skating season began on July 1, 2005, and ended on June 30, 2006. During this season, which was concurrent with the season for the other four disciplines (men's single, ladies' single, pair skating and ice dancing), elite synchronized skating teams competed on the International Skating Union (ISU) Championship level at the 2006 World Championships and Junior World Challenge Cup. They also competed at various other international as well as national synchronized skating competitions.


2005–2006 FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup series
The 2005–2006 FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup series was a series of stages where events in rhythmic gymnastics were contested. The series consisted of a two-year long competition, culminating at a final event — the World Cup Final in 2008. A number of qualifier stages were held. The top 3 gymnasts and groups in each apparatus at the qualifier events would receive medals and prize money. The organizing committees were free to host all-around competitions, but these events were not eligible for the assignment of World Cup points. Gymnasts and groups that finished in the top 8 also received points which were added up to a ranking that qualified for the biennial World Cup Final.


2005–2006 Fijian political crisis
The tension between Fiji's government and Military forces, which had been simmering for more than two years, appeared to escalate in late December 2005. Tension between the government and the Military had been simmering throughout the year, with Commodore Bainimarama and other Military officers making strongly worded public statements opposing certain government policies, including the early release from prison of persons implicated in the Fiji coup of 2000, and the government's promotion of controversial legislation to establish a Commission with the power to grant amnesty to perpetrators of the coup.


2005–2006 Fijian political crisis, Military chief challenges government to dismiss him
Commodore Frank Bainimarama, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, publicly challenged Home Affairs Minister Josefa Vosanibola and his Chief Executive Lesi Korovavala on 22 December to visit the Queen Elizabeth Barracks and dismiss him.


2005–2006 Fijian political crisis, Military chief challenges government to dismiss him
The Commander declared that he would ignore any written dismissal; the minister and the chief executive would have to confront him in person. If the minister refused to follow his advice, he could run the Military on his own, he said. Bainimarama also stated his intention to commandeer Korovavala's office, and claimed to have ordered Army engineers to secure it. "I do not care where he will go to. All I know is that I will now be stationed in that office," the Commander declared. The Commander also suggested that the government should consider dismissing Vosanibola, and that if the Minister failed to take his advice, removing him from office would be his next step.


2005–2006 Fijian political crisis, Emergency meetings and mediation
On 28 December, Deputy Police Commissioner Moses Driver and Assistant Police Commissioner (Crime) Kevueli Bulamainaivalu said that Commissioner Andrew Hughes was monitoring the threats made against Korovavala. Anare Jale, meanwhile, told Fiji Village that the police would be asked to intervene if Commodore Bainimarama tried to remove Korovavala from office. That afternoon, Home Affairs Minister Vosanibola told Fiji Village that he had briefed Vice-President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi and Attorney-General Qoriniasi Bale in the morning. The threats were being taken seriously, he said, and "appropriate action" would follow.