Australia have celebrated Jane Claxton's 200th international in style, with Renee Taylor doubling up to defeat Spain in the quarter-finals of the hockey Women's World Cup.
Renee Taylor has scored twice to send Australia's women's hockey team into the Women's World Cup semi-finals, with a 2-0 win against Spain.Australia will now play defending champions the Netherlands early Sunday, Australian timeTaylor produced two quality drag flicks against host nation Spain to ensure the Hockeyroos advance into their eighth World Cup semi-final from the past nine editions of the tournament.
Taylor was the stand-out against Spain as the Australians celebrated Jane Claxton's 200th international appearance with a stirring triumph. The Hockeyroos struck inside three minutes at the Terrassa Olympic Stadium after Steph Kershaw won the first penalty corner of the match.Taylor stepped up to put her drag flick expertly between Spain goalkeeper Georgina Oliva and Xantal Giné, the ball thundering into the backboard.
Some desperate Spanish defending prevented the Hockeyroos from doubling their advantage just before half-time as Australia amassed seven shots to three in the opening 30 minutes.