CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 2. Ransack the place for a gun (5)

5. The stone in ring given to a mate (4)

7. Line in cutter on which wheel is mounted (4) 8. Where it stands, one takes on a horse (8) 9. Ascribe one with tick after account is shown (8)

11. Low country where last of brood provide for themselves (4)

12. Presentations may be booked to begin with (13)

15. It is crazy to come back and astonish one (4)

17. Those in the union are relatively masculine (8)

19. It is a blow to a superior share (8)

21. In good French, nothing is seen as a gift (4)

22. The network is grating (4)

23. Always get first tail-ender to turn out (5)

DOWN

1. An Aztec may give one a wave (7)

2. Crop in every experienced rider’s hand (3) 3. Melted together as the lights went out? (5)

4. It’s lace that may be capable of being extended (7) 5. Work without starting to lubricate it (3)

6. The fuss the Navy takes to dress (5) 10. Start race again and make another print of it (5) 11. Confidence of the soccer organisation is badly hit (5) 13. Break-up of ice could be laced another way (7) 14. Rove about in the sun maybe if jittery (7)

16. A heavy drinker overturns his jar with hesitation (5) 18. Over-the-top was to tour around the East (5) 20. Finish with half a unit length of cloth (3)

21. A pipistrelle may be at the wicket (3)