There was plenty of international rugby league on offer over the weekend with round one of the European Rugby League World Cup qualifiers kicking off in style.
Wales, Russia and Vanuatu all enjoyed wins while the Philippines took a giant stride with the launch of their domestic competition.
Wales shutout Serbia in Llanelli
Wales have earned a huge 50-0 victory over Serbia in front of a strong crowd at Parc Steboneheath.
Gil Dudson looked to have an early try only to be denied due to a forward pass.
Serbia then had a shot at scoring a try however it was also disallowed due to a knock-on.
A knock-on by the White Eagles 40 metres out put Wales in good position. Christiaan Roets went close to scoring but was stopped just shy before Rhys Williams scored in the corner the following play.
Williams scored another seven minutes later off the back of a line break by London fullback Elliot Kear.
Regan Grace was next to score, the St Helens academy player helped over after stand off Courtney Davies shifted the ball right.
Souths Logan star Ollie Olds grabbed his first before the break, breaking the tackle to score and put Wales in front by 20-0 at the half.
Regan Grace came close to scoring early on however, it was found that Courtney Davies knocked on in the lead-up.
Davies redeemed himself scoring off the back of a Rhys Williams line break.
Andrew Gray bombed one just three minutes, knocking on just before the line before Radnički Nova Pazova winger Pero Madžarević was sin-binned for tripping Elliot Kear.
Andrew Gay took advantage of the open space vacated by Madžarević, busting through to put Wales in front 32-0 before Regan Grace extended their lead even further running almost the whole field to grab a double.
Wales were denied another try yet again, this time with Steve Parry passing forward. The bad luck continued for the home side with Matty Fozard’s try disallowed due to obstruction.
The rut ended with Ollie Olds putting up a bomb only for Serbia to knock-on, resulting in Olds regathering and scoring under the posts.
Widnes duo Lloyd White and Gil Dudson then linked up to bring up the half century in the dying stages of the match.
In the end Serbia couldn’t keep pace with Wales’ experience and will be fighting to stay alive next weekend when they host the star-studded Italy in Belgrade.
Meanwhile, Wales head to Monza to face off against the Azzurri as they look to secure automatic promotion.
Moscow treated to high-scoring affair as Bears roar past Spain
Russia have marched to a 40-6 victory over new comers Spain in Moscow after a brilliant start to the game.
The home side got off to a great start with Aleksandr Lysokon immediately stepping up to set up Mikhail Burlutskii early on before Nikolai Zagoskin scored another for the Bears just minutes later.
The one way traffic continued with front row forward Kirill Kosharin shifting to the centres to score off Petr Botnarash’s services at dummy half.
It gave Russia a comfortable 18-0 lead at the break, the home side racing out of the blocks to nab two early tries with Lysokon using foot work to find the line. Lysokon then combined with Leonid Kalinin to send Dmitry Bratko over in the corner in what was a brilliant facet of play.
Torrent Tigres star Juan Pablo Rango scored a consolation try with the help of hooker Gonzalo Morro.
Russia hit back with two late tries in the last five minutes awarded to Igor Chuprin and Vadim Buryak, securing a 34-point victory and putting Russia 80 minutes away from qualifying for their first World Cup since 2000.
Spain must win next weekend when they host Ireland in Valencia while Russia have a week off ahead of their match against the Wolfhounds in Bray.
Vanuatu defeat neighbours Solomon Islands in Port Vila
Vanuatu have secured an impressive win over their arch rivals Solomon Islands taking home the Joe Bomal Memorial Trophy.
After going into half-time with an 8-0 deficit, Tweed Heads and Vanuatu captain James Wood inspired his side to make an almighty comeback.
In the end, the home side proved too good for the visitors recording yet another win over the Solies 24-15.
Typhoon not enough to stop Philippines rugby league
The inaugural Erick Elefante Cup has officially launched in Albay, Philippines this weekend.
The category 3 Typhoon Karen was not enough to stop the opening weekend of the new four-team competition featuring Manila Storm, UB Toros, Central Luzon Crusaders and Albay.
All four teams played two rounds at the Bicol University. Matches were reduced to 20-minute halves due to poor conditions.
Despite the weather, it is a huge step forward for rugby league in the Philippines as the game continues to grow throughout Asia.
Meanwhile in Thailand, their test against Malta has been postponed following the passing of King Bhumibol after a 70-year reign. The game recently received government recognition from the Sports Authority of Thailand.
You can find Riley on Twitter @rileypettigrew.
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