LONDON TIMES CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1 Shrub grew on pitch (8) 5 Quick to help the erring player (6) 9 Conservative politician breaking laws breaks down (8)

10 Mother carries batty aunt’s old gown (6) 12 Sacks, say, for endless waffle (5) 13 Some fish and leafy vegetable served in beer (9) 14 Players might brave a hostile reception (4,3,5) 18 Out of one’s sight, and mind? (5,3,4) 21 Dessert inn served, short of small plates etc (6,3) 23 Balm left in store (5)

24 Try to contain one excessive painter (6) 25 Meticulous account by clergyman (8) 26 Secure gold carriage (6) 27 Touring east a devotee acquires a 23? (4,4)

Down

1 Best ever album chart entry (6) 2 Affectionate mate’s after cold stout (6) 3 Primer damaged centre of grandma’s carpet (9) 4 Switzerland entered into expensive contract for event (12) 6 Make contact with heads of royal estate about crown hire (5) 7 Being most experienced, marks a written exam about old city (8)

8 A game partnership invested in some land to do a deal (8) 11 The order of chimps? (12) 15 Word meaning very little — it’s without cryptic clue (9) 16 Lavish glutton entertains staff on a lake (8) 17 Reject blue act appearing first (4,4)

19 About to drop stick (6) 20 Vegetable placed around firm Spanish bread, once (6) 22 “More rhubarb”, might one say? (5)