CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1. Sheryl is bird to boast about (4)

3. Cables to get in the road (8) 9. Rat riot about turncoat (7) 10. Build around Mediterranean Island (5)

11. Reg up and out for cleansing (5)

12. The French princess says “Yes” to Russian in a posh way (2-2-2)

14. Get the sack to smooth out (3,3)

16. Large quarry for this bird (6) 19. Painting medium in the ring (6)

21. Greek divinity in charge of alarm (5)

24. Type of car, stated Daniel (5) 25. Antoine is from elite school (7) 26. First rate but confusing, old chap (8) 27. Netting makes me quiet (4)

Down

1. Can Erica tap ultra fast in project? (8)

2. Iron a problem out on the waves (2,3)

4. You can only just ban Ely (6) 5. Take a cute old penny for material (5)

6. Drenched daredevil in cheese (7)

7. Consumes teas (4)

8. Stifle reflexive pronoun (6) 13. Any hitch for flower, Mrs Bucket (8)

15. Ready to go off a long time ago (4,3)

17. Hops in to drain off (6) 18. Daisy takes bearing at the back of the boat (6) 20. Corrupt five lean around the place (5)

22. One in the proboscis is not good for the ears (5) 23. Russian leader is going back into procrastination (4)

Saturday

Across: 1. Pine, 3. Fan belts, 9. Tenancy, 10. Nacre, 11. Rise and shine,

14. Use, 16. Brief, 17. Ego, 18. Season ticket, 21. Ennui, 22. Steeple,

23. Tollgate, 24. Skit.

Down: 1. Peter out, 2. Nines, 4. Amy, 5. Bunch of fives, 6. Licence, 7. Seep,

8. An ear bashing, 12. Deign, 13. Footrest, 15. Eternal, 19. Kapok, 20. Melt,

22. Set.