SERELINO Lule's try in the dying stages of the Vodafone Cup Suva zone elimination match at Buckhurst Park in Suva yesterday saw Hot Bread Kitchen Nabua Broncos march into the final stages of the competition.
Broncos were down 18-20 against City Storm before Lule crossed the whitewash to keep the team's chances of clinching the title alive.
The Nabua Broncos won the match 22-20 to finish in the top 14 and qualify to the pre-quarter-final stages.
Other Suva zone teams that have made the next stage include defending champions Dee Cees Nadera Panthers, Fair Trade Makoi Bulldogs and Police Sharks.
Panthers walloped New Net Kinoya Sea Eagles 38-6, Sharks overcame CK Ezy Buy Topline Warriors 16-14 and Bulldogs beat Davuilevu Knights 30-20.
In the Lautoka zone, West Tigers and KBL Saru Dragons have qualified after they beat Lautoka Warriors (30-14) and Island Electric Lautoka Crushers (20-12), respectively.
Nakauvadra Roosters and Uluisuvani Warriors will be representing the Ra West zone following their win against Rakiraki Dragons (26-12) and Malake Sharks (40-6), respectively.
Sabeto Roosters recorded a default win over Nadi Raiders while Nadi Eels overcame Malawai Sea Eagles 38-32 to qualify from the Nadi zone.
Traditional giants Namatakula Tigers will be the Coral Coast zone's top bet alongside Coastal Titans.
Tigers thrashed Coral Coast Rabbitohs 36-10 while Titans scraped past Nadruku Dragons 21-13.
Burenitu Cowboys and Namuaniwaqa Sea Eagles made the finals from the Ra East zone following default wins yesterday.
Fiji National Rugby League development officer Sale Tubuna said the hard yard for the teams in contention starts now with seven knockout matches this coming Saturday.
Tubuna said the winners and the team that losses with the least margin would qualify for the quarters.
"This is a crucial stage and it will be all about having the will to win," Tubuna added.