Crossword:

CRYPTIC CLUES

ACROSS

1 Rib a gopher dreadfully for a life history writer

6 The scamp left you and refuses to say why? ( 5,2)

9 It’s true! They get us to stitch it 1 0 Ovine animal right in the pitcher 1 2 Choose to deliver a speech at southern voting areas

1 4 Bridesmaids conceal a renowned March date

1 7 Chic set losing head in showing great excitement

1 9 In the East there’s no idol that compares with such an apparition

20 Raids round distance to target to

make a complete mess

DOWN

1 A woman’s undergarment is out of order in an informal eating place 2 Exclude indomitably

3 Grab lessons to keep skilful 4 Dwelling topless Who, me?

5 Rake a debauchee

6 Erect one of the Greek islands 7 Slapping blow from US Police unit 8 Sue finds written work quite attractive 1 1 I agree nothing hides this colour 1 3 Managed with difficulty to make a living out of Greek editions

1 5 Ceased to exist, having performed in the east

1 6 Unpopular people doss anywhere 1 7 Briefly echo arable frozen dew 1 8 Match one of a pair

STRAIGHT CLUES

ACROSS

1 Life story writer 6 Refuses to talk further ( 5,2)

9 Surgical stitch

1 0 A pitcher

1 2 Voters’ areas

1 4 Olden days

1 7 In a mess

1 9 Phantom

20 Mess up

DOWN

1 Informal restaurant 2 Leave out

3 Qualified

4 Habitual abode

5 Profligate person 6 Greek island

7 Hit with the hand

8 Take to court

1 1 A colour

1 3 Struggled for existence 1 5 Passed away 1 6 Tufts

1 7 White with age ( poetic) 1 8 Matched