Danson was particularly lively early on, causing the Japanese problems.

In the 21st minute, Cullen (pictured) put Danny Kerry's team ahead, finishing powerfully from a penalty corner.

Cullen almost made it two shortly after, but it wasn't long before they doubled their lead, as Richardson took advantage of the space afforded to her to fire in.

Danson created a chance, which was wasted early in the second half, but it was soon Japan making the running as they tried valiantly, though ultimately in vain, to find a way back into the match.

Danson, a Reading team forward, was again at the heart of things as she was twice denied by Sachimi Iwao what could have been golden chances to make it three, but she made no mistake when found by Chloe Rogers, who had broken swiftly from a Japan penalty corner, to fire in a goal which killed off their opponents' hopes.

Captain Kate Walsh praised it as a "professional start to the tournament," whilst Kerry who was particularly impressed with performances in the first half, said that "given the conditions, I'm really pleased with the team's performance".

He added: "We knew it would be a tough game today and the great execution of the first corner was really important for us to gain control early on."

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