When play did get underway, Ulverstone's bowlers gave Sheffield a hard time, while Devonport made a bright start with the bat against the Burnie Hurricanes.

Ulverstone won a crucial toss at Devonport Oval and had no hesitation in bowling first, to take advantage of a grassy pitch likely to favour seam and swing bowlers.

Under threatening skies, the Mountaineers lost an early wicket, with Jordan Marshall falling to Coby Walmsley for four. The heavens opened shortly after this, with Sheffield 1/6 from six overs.

Close to four hours of play were lost due to the rain and a wet outfield, but when play resumed, it was all Ulverstone.

The Black Caps' four-pronged pace attack made the most of the favourable conditions, starting with new ball pair Coby Walmsley (3-26) and Will Dau (1-12 off 12).

They were backed up by Jacob Wiggers (2-12) and Kial Hingston (1-4), but Walmsley was the standout, delivering another impressive performance in his maiden season of 1st Grade cricket.

Alex King (23) and Marc Simonds (12) were the only Mountaineers batsmen to reach double figures as Ulverstone squeezed them for every run.

Brothers Richard (0 not out) and Gary Miles (two not out) survived a tricky period late in the day, and Sheffield finished at 7/65 from 38 overs.

As the last recognised batsmen, the Mountaineers will be hoping for a significant partnership from them to set Ulverstone a competitive total to chase on Day 2.

Morning rain saw the first two sessions of play washed out at West Park Oval. When the skies cleared, the Burnie Hurricanes won the toss and sent Devonport into bat, keen to exploit any lingering moisture in the wicket.

There would be no joy for the Hurricanes as Devonport's opening pair of Miles Barnard (48 not out) and Brent Lawler (32 not out) batted through the final session, leaving the Orions in a strong position at 0/88 at stumps.

Barnard was quick to punish anything loose, striking three fours and two sixes in his 81-ball innings.

This left Lawler to play the anchor role, with the nuggetty left-hander striking two fours in his unbeaten 112-ball stand.

The Hurricanes four-pronged pace attack of Shaun Redman (0-33), Kurt Lamprey (0-33), Tyler Johns (0-11) and Josh Barry (0-5) threw everything at the Orions without success, but they will regroup for an important morning session on Day 2.

After finishing in fourth place, Devonport needs to keep the game moving on Day 2 to guarantee a result, whereas the Hurricanes only need a draw to advance to the grand final.

Play continues Sunday, with both semis starting at 10am and ending at 6pm to make up for time lost to wet weather on Day 1.