Manukau drew first blood in the three-game Federation winners series when they beat WaiBop champions Old Blues 2-0 at Waipuna Park on Saturday.
While the scoreline flattered Manukau, Old Blues didn't deserve to win. The home team had the better of a scoreless first half but the usual precision of their play was missing.
In the second half, Manukau pressured Old Blues and were rewarded when one of their strikers was given too much space and time and gave keeper Alex Bryant no chance with a good strike from 25m, and they sealed the win after they were able to capitalise on a defensive blunder.
Old Blues coach Andy Legget was disappointed with his team's performance.
"We were definitely below par and it was a matter of us losing the game, rather than Manukau winning it.
"We were lucky to have home advantage first up but failed to capitalise."
Meanwhile, in the women's competition, Rotorua United won the Pullar Bowl.
At halftime, United had a comfortable 3-0 lead over Tauranga City in the final at Rex Morpeth Park, but Tauranga fought back with three goals and Rotorua needed a late goal to win.
Nicole Borghwick scored two while Keltie McManus and Amanda Wiltshire got one apiece.