Taking on groups twice their size, the band managed to win the open wind ensemble trophy, and come a close runner-up in the open instrumental ensemble.

Meanwhile, the choir took two second places, falling just behind the Murrumbidgee Magic Chorus for the main prize.

"We've only got nine members, and we're up against groups with 20 or 30," said choir director Fran Griffin.

"We did choose repertoire to suit a smaller group, but I think we sang the best we've ever done."

The group were among the few to attempt a challenging range of modern and classic tunes, in a broad variety of languages.

The band will have another chance at claiming the top prize with a performance in the Leeton Eisteddfod next week.

But both the band and the choir are looking to increase their members by the time the next eisteddfod season arrives.

"Bands with more players get a fuller sound, and there's nothing we can do about that," said band director Keith Griffin.

"There are parts missing because we just don't have the players, across the board we could do with having more of everything."