DAVEY Watt admits he is struggling to get his bikes running as well as he would like after using new silencers introduced into British speedway competitively for the first time.

But Pirates’ captain was still happy to come away with fourth place in the Ben Fund Bonanza at Scunthorpe.

Watt finished behind winner Hans Andersen, runner-up Ben Barker and Chris Harris in the final on Saturday.

The Aussie ace had notched two wins, a second and a third on his way to joint third spot in the qualifying heats with nine points, one behind Barker and Harris.

Watt then progressed to the final by following Andersen home in the semi after passing Patrick Hougaard for second, with Niels-Kristian Iversen fourth.

Poole Castle Cover’s captain said: “New silencers have been introduced (by speedway’s world governing body) in order to reduce noise levels and plenty of riders have been finding it difficult adjusting to them.

“The gas coming out of the engine through the silencer is a lot different and that reduces a lot of the bike’s power.

“A lot of the guys are finding their exhaust pipe gets really hot, a lot hotter than normal.

“The rubber mounts are melting off as well, just as mine did on Saturday.

“Touch wood, I didn’t have any engine problems myself, but I know a lot of the other riders weren’t happy with the silencers.”

Watt added: “I don’t know whether I’m going to be able to make them work for me, but it’s in the rules you have to use them, so I have no choice.

“I need to focus on getting my bikes as fast as I can as quickly as I can. I don’t want to be still testing these silencers at the end of the season.

“I know there is a lot of dispute about using the silencers, but I just have to concentrate on making mine work.

“Finishing fourth and being fairly happy with my set-ups makes me feel quite good about my performance.”

Watt takes part in Pirates’ official press and practice session at Poole Stadium today from 1pm until 5pm, along with the rest of the Elite League club’s squad.