LONDON TIMES CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1 Support for players keeping an eye on the score (5,5)

6 Vessel follows small fish (4) 9 Earth found in rabbit’s fleece (5) 10 Persuasive leader spotted parking in quay (4,5) 12 Carton rep showed off round wine stall (13)

14 Sadly Leo leaves stately home in ruins — it’s a gem! (8) 15 Requirement for an audience will briefly irritate (6) 17 Tempt postponement of hospital department? (6) 19 Famous crime writer’s serial killer (8)

21 One into folding paper and leather is an artist (3-10) 24 Wave to entertaining guys after a concert (9) 25 Kid wants time to rest (5)

26 Old critic getting girl to leave sexy dance (4) 27 In conversation cowboy actor put down wagon maker (10)

Down

1 Spice meat and chew oddly (4) 2 Sword Penny found inside English tower (7) 3 Stop waffling and teach the scout knots (3,2,3,5) 4 Return to see supporters inside the management (3,5)

5 Root veg observed growing around back of shop (5) 7 Bobby left with American composer (7) 8 Leader of regiment cut after exercise but carried on (10) 11 Serve under first-rate cabinet-maker? (5,8) 13 Alarming message picked up from reception? (4-2,4) 16 Mad Hatter points to cow (8) 18 The male carrying gold to sweetheart makes a proposition (7) 20 Clinical drill good for ocean dweller (7)

22 Animal has endless hunger within (5) 23 Touched fabric (4)