Joosje Burg and Yibbi Jansen struck a goal each to earn the Netherlands a 2-0 win over Ireland, starting their drive for five successive women’s championships on the front foot.

Burg gave them the lead in the ninth minute when she capitalised on a lucky ricochet. Lisa Post drove through but saw her shot brilliantly saved by Liz Murphy but it flew into the body of Sarah Macauley and right into Burg’s path for an easy finish.

But it did not open the floodgates as Ireland defended deep and gave up little space for the Dutch to hit full flow while their corner routine found the going tough with clear chances infrequent.

That was until Jansen ripped in their second goal from their fifth set-piece to give an extra breathing room.

The Dutch did need to stay alert as Ireland almost pulled one back when Mikayla Power robbed possession 20 metres from goal, a chance which ended with Katie Mullan’s shot agonisingly cleared off the line.

The Netherlands also had a couple of chances flash across the face of goal but 2-0 was how it remained.