Dubbo Eisteddfod 2019: William Davies wins encouragement trophy for poetry

All of the eight-year-olds who participated on Monday afternoon were given a place because of their great performances. Ms Eldridge also made up her own 'Very Highly Commended' award category.

William Davies was awarded the Brown Family Encouragement Trophy.

The eight-year-old said he had spent the past 10 weeks preparing for the eisteddfod, especially his favourite piece The Veggie Lion.

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"When I had to go up on stage I was terrified because I was nervous," William said.

But despite his nerves, William said he was "very proud" of himself for the achievement. While he's taken home medals before, he said it was the first time he had won a trophy.

Memorised Poem was won by Laylah Roll because of her "natural performance".

Laylah said she loved going up on stage and using expression.

She had practiced for an hour every second day, as well as when she was travelling in the car.

Her favourite thing to perform was the poem 'Oh Brother' because it was funny.

Both William and Laylah said they wanted to thank their teacher Hallete Berger.

Zeon Berger received first place in Memorised Australian Poem, while Nelly Tink won the Prose reading Category.

Ms Eldridge said she gave awards to all of the eight-year-old competitors because they all showed a great level of confidence and ability.

She said she was looking for confidence, a connection to the text, and if it was a funny piece, the ability to make the audience chuckle.

The Speech and Drama Program will continue at the Dubbo RSL Theatrette on Tuesday, while the Dance Program will continue at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre.