2-Speed Crossword

CRYPTIC CLUES ACROSS

1 Supporters willing to risk their money? (7) 5 It might contain records — of family scenes? (5) 8 Cut off — though many get to work (3) 9 Get better with more VIP treatment (7) 10 Painter backs away reaching fish display (5) 11 Pardon for taking this (4) 12 Drop from match due to unexpected difficulty (7) 14 Reason former head of company needs employment (6) 16 Though often competitive, some banks share it (6) 19 It makes one look down on listeners (7) 21 Spirit weakener (4) 24 Unable to give — being dead? (5) 25 Having an effect — by being informative? (7) 26 Observe some money experts at work (3) 27 Drink time shared by both sides (5) 28 Attached thus, the girl will cling to Edward (7)

DOWN

1 Beware of it if a piece is lying about (4) 2 Caught odd pair hiding in island (5) 3 They love going off together (7) 4 On the verge of retiring? (6) 5 Not included in what actor wants (5) 6 Local girl (7) 7 Month soon passes for these short livers (8) 13 Rare slip leading to retaliation (8) 15 Engaging players? (7) 17 Make up one’s mind to settle (7) 18 Strikes, having a bad time on board (6) 20 Allude to smoke that is illegal out East (5) 22 It’s a bore but soldiers have it to do (5) 23 Impaired dam with it (4)

COFFEE TIME ACROSS

1 Sponsors (7) 5 Book for snaps etc (5) 8 Cut away (3) 9 Make better (7) 10 Dress (5) 11 Donate (4) 12 Unforeseen danger (7) 14 Overlook (6) 16 Span (6) 19 Platform (7) 21 Drink additive (4) 24 Rigid (5) 25 Informing (7) 26 Watch (3) 27 Beer (5) 28 Bombarded (7)

DOWN

1 Lure (4) 2 Holiday island (5) 3 Fleeing lovers (7) 4 Drowsy (6) 5 Separate (5) 6 Pub worker (7) 7 Spring insects (8) 13 Vengeance (8) 15 Shedding (7) 17 Decide (7) 18 Hits hard (6) 20 Give mention (5) 22 Furrow (5) 23 Old (4)