SUPER CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 The cut one in pain is in a state of terror (9)

6 Pulled altar-wards (5)

9 The scoundrel does curse his folly having to go back inside (5)

10 Trying to sew with such a needle is (9) 11 The horrible Steed made out the list (10) 12 Reach the highest level, we’re told, at Cruft’s (4)

14 The weight must be put back? Rot! Nonsense! (7)

15 The Welshman’s fabrication appears in the papers (7)

17 Money for the poor (7)

19 Many, having a meal out, finding it easier to unbend (7)

20 Shut up about the s-strike! (4) 22 Managed it successfully, being spirited (7,3)

25 In a daring case, is he to put an end to? (9)

26 Took part, to get material (5)

27 Going in last myself, to make a change (5)

28 The home involved is sincere about the backward boy (9)

DOWN

1 Whittled down and partnered, we’re told (5)

2 Deny that I had to stand in to do the bargaining (9)

3 Fed up not having a pudding to end the meal with? (7,3)

4 Pin loosely to the material where it should be (2,5)

5 Questioned very heatedly? (7)

6 Snorts ‘Children!’ (4)

7 Used to be the hospital in question (5) 8 ‘The dropper,’ one writes, ‘dries out when shaken’ (9)

13 Unhappy to see pals in trouble, did go round (10)

14 Figure out a threat would be no good at all (5-4)

16 Wrongly obtained from the NHS? (3-6) 18 Beat the Continental by playing a heart (7)

19 Walks clear into: upsets (7)

21 Nick is twenty (5)

23 Paling, he’s a crook (5)

24 Dislike, but take care of (4)

Friday’s solutions:

Across: - 1 Unload. 4 Assigned. 10 Take off. 11 Memento. 12 Wise. 13 Key witness. 16 Reckon. 17 Patrick. 20 Perhaps. 21 Patent. 24 Restrained. 25 Lion. 27 Gosport. 29 Perugia. 30 Contends. 31 Stayed.

Down: - 1 Untoward. 2 Lake Success. 3 Aloe. 5 Somewhat. 6 Immaterial. 7 Nun. 8 Drowsy. 9 Offer. 14 Exceedingly. 15 Bothersome. 18 Sprinted. 19 Standard. 22 Tragic. 23 Keeps. 26 Trot. 28 Sin.