Game #5 was a 24-5 Berkeley win over Redding in a mudbath, and in Game #6 Berkeley faced a strong Aptos side, who had notched 60-5 & 59-18 victories in their previous two outings. Aptos were a well organized team, who were able to get quick ball to the backline and were fast to attack. Berkeley's defense held strong in the opening period, and they began to counter-attack. The game was played at pace, with attacking play and big-hearted defense from both teams. Aptos broke through in the 37th minute, and took a 5-3 lead into the half-time break. The second half was just as close, and with Aptos leading 10-6 the game was up for grabs until the 73rd minute when Aptos added a converted try. Final score: 17-6, and Aptos would go on to qualify for a playoff berth.

Game #7 saw BRFC faced with a long road trip to Chico, and the absence of many of their student players during Spring Break. Nevertheless, Berkeley put on a competitive display against the 2002 National champions, and in particular they were able to destroy their opponents at the scrums. The game was close throughout, with several Berkeley attempted scores falling inches short, or ruled to be 'held up' over the line. Chico stuck with some late tries and took the win, but Berkeley had reason to celebrate as their 'party limo bus' returned them to the Bay Area that evening. Game #8 was against the unbeaten and experienced Marin team, and Berkeley were again forced to contend with 15 student players out of town. Nevertheless, both sides were playing attractive rugby, and the game was finely balanced 14-13 at the half. Berkeley had some good attacking phases in the second period, and went of the boil a little, not helped by being pinged for a second penalty try/yellow card for a "high tackle near the try zone" that seemed pretty innocuous on the video replay. Another loss, but a step forward and a good display against a strong team.

Games #9 & #10 (Mission & Petaluma) were similar stories. Creditable performances against strong opposition that were closer than the final scores suggest. Berkeley looked to be in with a good chance, down only a point 22-21 against Petaluma with 20 minutes on the clock, but the powerful "Team Fiji" struck with two late tries to claim the points.

The final match of the season involved a long trip north to face the powerful Humboldt, the 2nd placed team from the previous season, and a formidable record on their home field. Humboldt had the early momentum, and were using their size advantage well in the scrums, but after 20 minutes BRFC turned the tables, and began marching Humboldt backwards, taking scrums against the head, wheeling the HOG scrum on several occasions to steal the possession. Open play featured hard running, big tackles and strategic kicking from both sides, and the first 40 dragged on for 54 long minutes, ending at 3-3. The half-time team talk focused on the desire not to let another game slip away, and how much more enjoyable the long drive home would be with a win, and Berkeley came back out strong, and crashed over to score a try. All around the field the blue and gold jerseys were having huge games to contain their powerful opponents, making tackle after tackle and responding to every attack with a thrust of their own. Finally, the whistle sounded to signal an epic victory for the bears, who closed out the season with a winning record, and enjoyed some excellent Humboldt hospitality late into the night.

The 2005 Team Photo: