CRYP TIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

5 Greek character hosting a dance (7)

7 A role not being taken into account (5)

9 Groups of workers across English river (6)

10 Form of verse member of the clergy abridged, then cut (8) 11 Check popular page in part of paper (10)

13 Ruin atmosphere in retreat (4) 14 Game chap who delivers, opening in second innings (8,5) 16 Appear in court before foremost of magistrates (4)

17 They may relieve tension in derby as row breaks out (5,5) 19 Female diarist shot, gets immediate attention (5,3) 20 Accepted elderly must imbibe red, mostly (6)

22 Private detective I use is rubbish! (2,3) 23 For example, leader of group, chief boffin (7)

DOWN

1 Complacent son, soft touch (4)

2 Covers one with peppery seeds (8)

3 Adjusted TV near bar (6)

4 Mate in Italian city hugging daughter – Anna, perhaps (10) 5 Acquire a knowledge of humorist and knight (5) 6 Where lots go to join game (7,6) 8 Article on pitch

in Gibraltar (3,4)

12 New spares sent round have to meet a required standard (4,6)

14 Cover charge? (7)

15 Left fabulous ship south of

central island (3,5) 17 Treacherous type

in West stand (6)

18 The old man ringing about

object of fear (5)

21 Artist capturing male

bird that can’t fly (4)