CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Dealt it up as a trite sort of saying (9)

5. It will be convenient to be in good condition (3)

7. I have to go after first girl to be a donor (4)

8. Star will take a chance after changing seat (8)

10. Such complaints as mine last out (8)

11. A British player may be a roaring success (4)

13. A run of rungs (6)

15. A distinctive accent that may be afoot (6)

18. Fruit of the beech stepped aboard vessel (4)

19. Naval area where they cut off three feet (8)

22. A romantic loss of direction may still be fragrant (8)

23. A boundary scored at teatime (4)

24. It could be a bind for two to come in together (3)

25. Unable to see a good deal to a lower degree (9)

DOWN

1. A queue formed behind the porker (7)

2. A striking base in a Cumbrian village (5)

3. Capsizes, which distresses one (6)

4. Sheep that go up and down in these Westerns (4)

5. One’s weakness may be ploughing (7)

6. It may be a portent that the payment is nominal (5)

9. If verse is free, one can cut off from it (5)

12. The pump-handle may bring one to a halt (5)

14. One may incline to settle things (7)

16. Lasts to the finish, sure that it will change (7)

17. Successfully dealing with a policeman in Gateshead (6)

18. At mixing with men, with intent (5)

20. Nobody else there, on landing in the drink (5)

21. The principal part of the Eucharist celebration (4) NEW YEAR’S DAY SOLUTION

Across: 1. Slough 4. Verona 9. Recover 10. Antic 11. Evil

12. Etui 13. One 15. Spry 16. Mere 19. Rut 21. Cane 22. Magi

24. Elemi 25. Cherish 26. Sorted 27. Blanks

Down: 1. Street corners 2. Orchids 3. Gave 5. Examined

6. Outdo 7. Ancient lights 8. Crate 14. Practice 17. Evasion

18. Snack 20. Their 23. Well