The U23 Siggins Cup got under way on Sunday after last week's false start with wins for Fingal and Dublin City.

There was a cosmopolitan look to a very strong Fingal side and they showed their strength in depth with a fine batting display against Dublin University at College Park.

The Balbriggan duo of Chris de Freitas and Matthew Pollard both scored half centuries as they ran up 251 for 6 - a far cry from 38 for 3, including a wicket from Mikey O'Reilly in the first ball of the match.

De Freitas (53) added 70 in 13 overs with Hunter Kindley (41), and when he fell at 167 for 6 it was even stevens.

However, Balbriggan were to the fore again as Dylan Lues (34*) joined Pollard (56*) and they combined to share an unbroken 7th wicket partnership of 84 in 13 overs to set the challenging total.

O'Reilly (2-10) was the pick of the students attack, while there was also two wickets for JJ Walsh, plus one apiece for Gavin Hoey and Scott Ruttle.

The Hills' Matthew Weldon (3-25) struck a trio of early blows to leave the University on 11 for 3. 

Rory Betley hit 30 but when he fell it looked a forlorn chase at 59 for 5.

Gavin Hoey (48) and Theo Dempsey (31) though counterattacked with a 6th wicket stand of 70 in 12 overs, but the end came quickly when the stand was broken.

Hunter Kindley (4-31) dismissed both and collected two more as they were bowled out for 161, sealing the win.

In the other game at The Maws, Dublin City's South African connection was also to the fore with Clontarf overseas professional Ruan Cronje top scoring with 74 (4 sixes) in their huge total of 297.

Brandon Kruger cleared the ropes three times in an entertaining 54, adding 81 for the 7th wicket with Noah Smith (45*), while Aaron McGeehan made 28.

James Forbes (3-54) was the most successsful bowler.

South Dublin were soon in trouble and at 119 for 7 it was effectively game over.

But not qute as Adam Rosslee, who carried his bat for 85, was joined by Mark Tonge, who proceeded to club five sixes in his 43 from just 27 balls.

They were eventually dismissed for 202 with two wickets apiece for Kruger, Oisin Bhoja and Cillian McDonnell.

The final round of fixtures takes place next Sunday.

Before then, Leinster Lightning and Munster Reds play at Pembroke in a 45-over interpro warm-up (11am).