Ireland survived an early scare to record a 69-run win over hosts Netherland and make it three wins from three in their Under 19 World Cup qualifier at Schiedam.

Centurion from the previous game Nathan McGuire fell in the first over caught and bowled by Arnav Jain, and when three balls later Marcus Poskitt was trapped lbw by Kyle Klein, the Irish were staring down the barrel at 0 for 2.

Railway Union’s Alex Stile justified his selection with an excellent half century on a difficult, slow pitch, hitting 3 fours and clearing the ropes twice as he made 53 from 74 balls.

He added 76 with the unflappable Will Smale, who anchored the innings and looks solid and composed throughout.

The game was again in the balance after Neil Rock went for 11 to make it 91 for 4, but Tim Tector (38) and Smale, who top scored with 60 shared what turned out to be a match wining stand of 77 in 99 balls.

James Hunter added a breezy 26 in 20 balls as Ireland finished strongly on 213 for 8 – Ralph Elenbaas taking 3 for 37, and Pierre Jacod 2 for 43.

Left-arm seamer Alex Neary (3-17) struck three early blows to put the Irish on top and when Boris Gorlee was bowled by JJ Garth, the Dutch were reeling at 40 for 4.

Kevin van der Geest (48) and Neehan Gigani (42) got the innings back on an even keel as added 78 in 20 overs in an impressive 5th wicket stand.

However, James Hunter (3-14) broke the stubborn stand, and with Mitchell Thompson (2-31) also picking up two wickets, the hosts lost their last six wickets for 26 runs, all out for 144 to leave Ireland 69-run victors.

The crucial game between Ireland and Scotland is alls et for Tuesday morning at Voorburg, with a place in South Africa next year at stake for the winners.