The Cryptic: Mungo MacCallum

ACROSS

1. Popular team, not left out (6)

4. Ribbon right in liner (8)

10. Come to top pitch – can be hot! (9)

11. Australian spilled teas, confused (2,3)

12. Attempt a cure with two Englishmen with medicinal shrub (3-4)

13. Fruit for New South Wales resort with a party (7)

14. Number, roughly three (5)

15. Concerning steps for recycled car tyres (8)

18. Green French–English support – can show a bit of backbone! (8)

20. Bosom, the French name of respect (5)

23. Municipal chief to get sick, Spooner urged of swift communications (7)

25. Dog lease up to date (7)

26. Cut back dye and iron (5)

27. Aid client ineptly – but it’s all the same! (9)

28. Little bird, shelter with fish (8)

29. Valuables for idiot aliens (6)

DOWN

1. Single male punter – but I am on the mend! (2,6)

2. Comic Charlie’s lost line – messed up Popeye’s salvation! (7)

3. Tobruk defender to abandon traitor (6,3)

5. Enthusiastically search them around old sailor in a bid for

Indian independence (3,4,7)

6. Muse to tear over circle (5)

7. Movie hero in the muck – but still pretty hot (7)

8. Argue about a boy (6)

9. Dog and cat surround insurgent – a bid for Chinese independence (5,9) 16. Come in – it’s a bowel infection! (9)

17. Agents cover the paver – could be monitors! (8)

19. Insects listen to the rugs! (7)

21. Sweet syrup – let care dissipate! (7)

22. Sleep with the family – it keeps things clean! (6)

24. Publicity, raise New Guinea town – what Trump always wanted! (1,4)

Ed’s note: It’s with sadness I have to let you know this is Mungo’s final crossword for the paper. Next week, Liam Runnalls, a true Mungo fan, will pick up his pen.