"I think I would probably put the [win] down to the team work and character. Central were on attack quite a lot of the time. At one stage, we had about seven minutes on our own line and didn't concede a try."
He said the fitness really showed towards the end of the game when they ran in three tries in the last 12 minutes.
"It was quite close up until then."
He said they had been working hard on their fitness during pre-season, so it was good to see it pay off.
Knight was also pleased with his team's completion rate. Mangakino will face a tougher test this Saturday when they play Pikiao.
Meanwhile, Central, who celebrate their 65th anniversary this year, have had a tough start to their season after losing their opening two games.
The Rotorua club were also promoted to the premier grade this year after winning the reserve grade last season.
The match of the round on Saturday saw Ngongotaha defeat Taupo 40-36 at Puketawhero Park.
It was the first win of the season for Ngongotaha who bounced back well after losing to Pikiao in the first round.
The thrilling match handed Taupo their second loss of the season.
The Tokoroa derby match on Saturday between Pacific and Forestland proved to be a one-sided affair.
Pacific made a big statement to the rest of the premier clubs, when they won 70-6.
Pacific are the only team to win two games this season after Pikiao had the bye at the weekend.
Bay of Plenty District Rugby League round two results on Saturday:
Premier grade:
Pacific 70 Forestland 6, Ngongotaha 40 Taupo 36, Mangakino 42 Central 26.
Reserve grade:
Pacific 46 Turangi 14, Pikiao Snrs 34 Putaruru 20, Reporoa 62 Pikiao Reserves 34.
