CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. He’s a good fellow, the man taking guard – but he may get thrown (8)

7. Dutch capital is left in a whirl where they’re making their china (5)

8. Aries, a bit of which is used for fortification (7)

9. It’s ironic about first second tooth (7)

10. Eagle will construct some higher nest (4)

12. It may be a koala’s habitat, but up in this one’s in difficulties (3-4)

14. It is as devilish as it can possibly be (7)

17. The wind up? Force 9, perhaps (4)

18. Italian opera composer put ringing instrument in one finale (7)

21. He holds court for nothing when there’s a free shot around (7)

22. This has its gap, and extra dental work shows it (5)

23. Big shop, though in the red, can be put back on its feet (8)

DOWN

1. A boatman who might see a grebe flying about (6)

2. It is about to happen to the tin men I’m constructing (8)

3. Take one hostage when I’d left to break stones (4)

4. Is on the stage when performing temporary duty (6)

5. It may be a sign of a positive factor (4)

6. Look hard when it’s around five but have nothing to eat (6)

7. One may readily see the point of counting the system (7)

11. The company is since broken up, to be brief (7)

13. A servant is paid to keep a barrister’s services (8)

14. Wooden shoes are given a rating among drunkards (6)

15. With which chewing-gum is made stylish, the French way (6)

16. Was afraid to be given food: are taken in (6)

19. It is bound to turn pale (4)

20. Guitarist may worry about this being on his fingerboard (4)

SATURDAY’S SOLUTION:

Across 1. Chargrilled 6. Elk 8. Boron

10. Increment 11. Into 12. Nicer 13. Postdate 16. Polygon 17. Amen

18. Snap 19. Records 21. Splendid 23. Spots 26. Spar 27. Traveller 28. Elgar

29. Bit 30. Rallentando

Down 1. Cabin class 2. African elephant 3. Gintrap 4. Lento 5. Dresden

6. Electronic organ 7. Kite 9. One 13. Policed 14. Sugared 15. Impresario

19. Roe-deer 20. Suspect 22. Ideal 24. Pal 25. Stab