CRYPTICCLUES

Across

3. I am to intercede without delay (9) 8. Rip producing evidence of repentance? (4)

9. How pupils of one year get into groups? (4,5)

10. Boy went first and doled out helpings (6)

11. Horse set out carrying little newspaper man (5)

14. In a labyrinth one finds corn (5) 15. Precious, and not cheap, either! (4) 16. Given the sharp end of a waspish tongue? (5)

18. Are they bound to be worn? (4) 20. There’s nothing in the trick to dispel lethargy (5)

21. Sedate street given help (5)

24. Rubbishy lot of baby animals? (6) 25. It’s easy not backing a fool (9) 26. Raised ornament for the manager (4)

27. Not know what to do to overcome a deficit (2,2,1,4)

Down

1. Ship’s officer past his best in inglorious deadlock (9)

2. Bad luck getting a difficult school punishment (4,5)

4. Noise from cow finds dunderhead in a temper (4)

5. Ant is part of the system, metaphorically speaking (5)

6. Put in fetters having done a washday chore? (6)

7. Sour result of baking? (4)

9. Some safe tests for holiday occasions (5)

11. Find the depth of water in an arm of the sea (5)

12. The inference is there’s something taken off (9)

13. The squeeze doesn’t cost anything for independent newspapers (4,5)

17. Corn profit about right (5)

19. Give over! To spit is wrong! (4,2) 22. One hand-out of cards that is perfect (5)

23. Evil has a strong grip! (4)

24. Many are knocked down, of course (4)