The two sides finished top of their four-team pools in contrasting styles on Wednesday.

Hastings had to overcome a gallant Ballina in a thriller at Rologas, and edged to a one-wicket win, while Lismore knocked host side Armidale out with a 121-run win in their match at Harris Park.

Lismore scored 263 in 44.2 overs, with Elliott Nance (77) top scoring.

Lismore coach Trevor Graham said his young side was looking forward to today’s final.

“It’s been a fantastic carnival – they’ve had a great time,” Graham said. “They’ve enjoyed themselves and played some good cricket. It’s also been a great team effort. All the boys have contributed with bat and ball.”

Carnival co-ordinator Ian Reeves said the 2014 WTS had gone off well.

“The weather’s been great and we’ve had some very high- scoring matches and some very impressive individual performances as well.

“The two best teams are playing the final. Hastings look very strong and Lismore has some big hitters.”

Hastings snuck home against Ballina yesterday thanks to a fine 90 from Dan Middleton.

He was the ninth man out at 159 when the two sides were level after a half-century partnership.

Ballina will play West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook in the playoff for fifth at Rologas while Armidale tackles Penrith in the playoff for third at Lambert Park.

Tamworth and Hunter Valley seek their first wins at Harris Park in their play-off for seventh.