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SCOTT Nicholls believes a rostrum finish for Great Britain in the World Cup is a realistic initial aim for their 2012 World Cup campaign.Nicholls lines up with Chris Harris, Tai Woffinden and Danny King in their opening event of the competition at Kings Lynn on Monday, facing favourites Australia, the Czech Republic and Germany.Nicholls and Woffinden have only recently returned from injury, and the Coventry man said: I know Middlo (Neil Middleditch) wants to be in the Finalthats first and foremost. We have to go in there and go for a rostrum.There hasnt been an out-and-out target as such. But youve got to have a goal as to where you want to be, and weve got to focus on Monday at Kings Lynn. I know the intention is to win.

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PREMIER League leaders Newcastle overcame third-placed Somerset at Brough Parkbut now have an injury concern over top-scorer Ludvig Lindgren.The Swede scored 15+1 in the Diamonds 51-42 win which extends their lead at the top of the table to six points, but Lindgren suffered a wrist injury in post-meeting practice.Manager George English said: As Somerset are a class act there was no great surprise when they made life difficult for us, but we really have a side built on team spirit and determination which pulled off a superb win that presented all three very important league points to our campaign.That was an excellent result and the lads should be proud of their achievement to keep us well on top of the league table, but of course now we have further injury worries and can only hope Ludvig will be fit for our next away match on Friday night.

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RYE Houses Jason Garrity has suffered broken bones to a finger and thumb after a workshop accident over the weekend. An engine fell on Garritys left hand, and the rider is now battling to be fit for a busy weekend programme for the club, whose Premier and National League teams are both in action.The 18-year-old is due to visit specialist physiotherapist Brian Simpson for laser treatment early this week in an attempt to achieve enough grip in his hand to take his place.(SPEEDWAY 4)

SIMON Lambert is on his way back to Stoke as the Potters rebuild following the broken leg suffered by Richie Worrall.Lambert, who rode for the Potters last year, is set to return after his recent release by Leicester, whilst Stoke have also made Jaimie Pickard available to other clubs.Manager Malcolm Vasey said: I'm delighted to be welcoming Simon back into the fold. He was instrumental in us finishing top of the league table last season and I'm sure this move will delight our supporters as we look to make an impression on the top two sides in the league.We have had to make a second change in order to comply with the points limit, we have had to let Jaimie go and I'd like to thank him for his efforts over the last season and a half. Its never easy to release a rider but we have to do what is right for the club in order to improve the team and take the club forward, and I believe that we are taking a step in the right direction.

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DUDLEY Heathens co-owner Gary Patchett says the race for the Golden Hammer on Tuesday is wide open.The former Cradley club host the prestigious individual meeting at their adopted Monmore Green home for the third successive season and a bumper crowd is expected.Patchett said: I feel the line-up represents the very best riders that the National League has to offer and is enhanced by four riders who have a special affiliation with the event and a place in the hearts of Heathens supporters.Alongside this seasons team we were delighted that former Heathens Lee Smart, Kyle Newman and Micky Dyer accepted our invitations to ride in the event. It goes without saying that past winners are always welcome and none more so than Simon Lambert who won the first staging of the Hammer after the Heathens returned to the track in 2010.

(FIXTURES)TUESDAY JULY 10:NATIONAL LEAGUE: Isle of Wight v Kings Lynn 7.30FAST GOLDEN HAMMER: Dudley 7.30

WEDNESDAY JULY 11:PREMIER LEAGUE: Ipswich v Scunthorpe 7.30

THURSDAY JULY 12:PREMIER LEAGUE: Redcar v Leicester 7.30, Sheffield v Scunthorpe 7.45

FRIDAY JULY 13:PREMIER LEAGUE: Edinburgh v Berwick 7.30, Plymouth v Glasgow 7.30, Scunthorpe v Newcastle 7.30, Somerset v Workington 7.30