"It was just making sure we valued the ball a bit more and made sure we had good ball moving forward before we were able to give it some air and go a bit wider.
"We slowed down a few things to ensure the ball presentation was of a standard that our halfback had time to be able to set our backs alight.
"We were able to do that well on four occasions which led to our bonus point tries.
"Marist stuck to it right to the end, as we knew they would, which was reflective of the competitive character of their side and we applaud them for that," said Grace.
When put under pressure Ngongotaha were able to scramble and defend well, he said.
"Marist put on some very good early pressure but our defence was resolute.
"We did well to weather the early onslaught and show some composure.
"The guys didn't let little niggly things get to them - we need to have that sort of resolve if we want to be competitive against these premier sides who have joined us in Premier 2."
Ngongotaha's focus each week has been working towards making the premier division next year.
"Irrespective of who the opposition are we show them the same respect - that they have the potential to prevent that goal and hinder our progression forward.
"Each Tuesday when we analyse the previous week's game we take the positives, we try and grow those, and we look at that negatives and how we can diminish or eliminate those as best we can."
Grace said several Ngongotaha forwards had standout games on Saturday.
"William Grace, at hooker, had some very incisive runs, big tackles and was able to prevent Marist getting a lot of go-forward ball.
"Ryan Parks at blindside flanker had a very big game - it's a position he has adjusted to well this year.
"Lock Wiremu Ruru was dominant in the air come lineout time - his composure at crucial times in the game and his influence with our tight five."
St Michael's coach Mike Lewis said Ngongotaha played "really well".
"They dominated the forward exchanges and scored three tries off their maul.
"There were some big improvements in our discipline and our line speed on defence took a big step forward," said Lewis.
Baywide Premier 1 Results:
Mount Maunganui 54 v Whakarewarewa 19
Tauranga Sports 12 v Te Puke Sports 9
Rangataua 27 v Rotoiti 7
Te Puna 26 v Greerton Marist 22
Baywide Premier 1 Development Results:
Rangataua 38 v Rotoiti 12
Te Puke Sports 22 v Tauranga Sports 0
Mount Maunganui 103 v Whakarewarewa 0
Te Puna 28 v Greerton Marist 15
Baywide Premier 2 Results:
Paroa 19 v Poroporo 13
Arataki 36 v Whakatane Marist 14
Ngongotaha 26 v Marist St Michael's 15
Waikite 32 v Opotiki 22
Baywide Premier 2 Development Results:
Ngongotaha 26 v Marist St Michael's 5
Poroporo 25 v Paroa 24
Arataki 31 v Whakatane Marist 31
Opotiki 46 v Waikite 7
Baywide Division 1 Results:
Ruatoki 29 v Kahukura 18
Papamoa 28 v Rangiuru 12
Te Teko 78 v Katikati 0
Judea 20 v Waimana 5
Baywide Division 2 Results:
Matata 12 v Edgecumbe 5
Murupara 118 v Eastern Pirates 7
Reporoa 72 v Eastern Districts 19
