ALAN LEE’S CRYPTIC CROSSWORD NO. 450

Across

1 Testify, and pooh! to any observer. (4,7)

9 Drinks in low joints. (5)

10 One sought variety, having travelled to Cuba. (4,5) 11 Admit birthdate in press interview. (9)

12 Strands of wires pass on without cause. (5) 13 and 14 Returned to firing line the wrong way. (4,2,5)

19 and 20 Big bird production. It’s

for March release. (7,4) 24 Educated one carried ticket. (5) 26 Trouble for some limbs. (9) 27 Must be painful gripping ring on

handlebar. (9)

28 Announced cash advance had a

single condition. (5)

29 Agreeing to hear CIIII. (3,3,2,3)

Down

1 Footballer prepares to leave. Travels light. (9) 2 Incredible, lab insured without phone connection. (6) 3 Heard old tory and humourist send signal. (6)

4 Mixed fruit had sharp taste and fish was sent back. (8) 5 Package of raw dates headed for Halifax. (8)

6 Hurries for honours. (5)

7 He curbs jumping babies. (7) 8 Part of backdrop has ended on stage. (5)

15 Her reason for moving close to land. (4,5)

16 and 25 Half of my work involves twice the rules. (5,3,5) 17 Owl-like tribesmen start crawling among the timid. (8) 18 He’s inside for vandalism as he richly deserves. (7) 21 There’s nothing like this for woman and I. (1,4)

22 Take exception to article. (6) 23 My one spot in Europe. (6) 25 See 16 down.