The Demons will resume on the second day at 1-8 with Josh Salter (two not out) and Rhys French (six not out) at the crease after dismissing the Orions batting order for 126 behind 4-34 from Nathan Avery and 3-28 from Tristan Weeks.

Devonport had a little joy in the two-over mini-session to end the day when teenage spearhead Sam O’Mahony bowled Michael Bishop first ball of the innings.

Clinton Moore top scored for Devonport with 27.

Latrobe coach Trent Keep said his bowlers, especially Avery, stood up to pressure the talented Devonport batting order after sending them into bat.

“I think Birdman (Avery) stepped up today and unfortunately couldn’t get five and that being said, all the bowlers with the exception of Zak (Nicolle) went for under two an over,” Keep said.

Devonport went at just under one and a half runs an over in their innings with rain expected, Keep said he was surprised with the approach.

“Obviously we would have prefered to not lose a wicket at the end of the day, but I am bit perplexed confused how Devonport have played it, especially if the game is affected by rain.

Devonport captain Miles Barnard said he believed the game was in the balance.

“It is pretty evenly poised, both teams need to bat on a pitch before you can make a judgement,” Barnard said.