CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

26/11

ACROSS

1. Cut top off hedge and fasten it metallically (5)

4. Parts of tennis match not up to scratch as one starts (4,3)

8. Supporter sat back with convulsive movement, quite dreamlike (9)

9. Thanks to the right, it’s black (3)

10. Break tin and be impolite so to thrust oneself in (7)

12. Part of foot one will move very slowly (4)

14. One left Pict free and easy inside what is ideal (7)

17. Money put up when one dined around the North (4)

18. Upbringing owes much to nurse: true, it is adapted (7)

20. Sign of coolness pleasant if not begun (3)

21. It put deal out saying it’s trite (9)

23. Figures look like anaesthetics (7)

24. King George to dine on what is super (5)

DOWN

1. Iron Great Fire melted down with the opposite effect (13)

2. In New York it follows Virginia for self-appreciation (6)

3. Swaps Unionist Conservative leaders within as one calumniates (8)

4. One doesn’t stand as candidate – and will do so if successful (3)

5. To sail against the wind is something that has point (4)

6. Go up and hold pint spilled when suddenly taking it (6)

7. Meanwhile, what is money used as donation-wise? (3,3,7)

11. The Spanish take a bit of fish like a fairy (5)

13. Is making its mark, frightening one right inside (8)

15. Blood’s course one might be able to master (6)

16. Time to come when Ute fur is ruffled (6)

19. When surrounding pulpit-top, East spells the end of church (4)

22. Girl going topless is a foolish person (3)