Littler scored tries in both of Ireland's qualifiers last year

Captain Stuart Littler scored a hat-trick of tries to keep alive Ireland's hopes of a place in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup finals.

The Irish ran in 11 tries to set themselves up for a key game with Lebanon at Dewsbury next month.

Russia went 10-0 ahead early on and a shock looked on the cards in Carlow.

But Damien Blanch also notched a hat-trick while Sean Gleeson (2), Bob Beswick (2) and Paul Handforth went over to seal the easy win.

Ireland: Scott Grix (Widnes), Damien Blanch (Widnes), Stuart Littler (Salford), Sean Gleeson (Wakefield), Gavin Dodd (Widnes), Paul Handforth (Featherstone), Liam Finn (Dewsbury), Eamon O'Carroll (Wigan), Bob Beswick (Widnes), Dave Buckley (York City Knights), Lee Doran (Widnes), Ged Corcoran (Sheffield), Tony Stewart (Leigh).
Replacements: Steve Gibbons (Carlow Crusaders), Wayne Kerr (Carlow Crusaders), Clive Gee (Portlaoise Panthers), Billy Treacy (Treaty City Titans)