CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

15, 786

Across

1. Charge at speed, stupidly crossing motorway (8) 5. Plug very short book remorselessly, for instance (6) 9. Fire expert after rare event on sports day (4,4) 10. Chase prize money blocked by university (6) 12. Pal’s last move on board (4) 13. Do they taste and feel strange at rear of mouth? (5,5) 15. Racket Egyptian kings used to pay for their tombs? (7,6) 19. How to keep warm e.g. bulldozing a complex (6,7) 23. A French bible in poor condition is of no use (10) 25. Quiet old English pump, perhaps (4) 28. Bitter independent inspector probes a cricket club (6) 29. Villa’s location is hard to floor (8) 30. Pilot fish consume an unknown quantity (3,3) 31. Coy nurse could become focus of admiration (8)

Down

1. Oil supplier spreads a mess around back of house (6) 2. A drunkard devours cold course (5) 3. Bonus for each kilometre (4) 4. Medical orderly to make a speech (7) 6. Cow beginning to disturb relative (5) 7. School gets eager for spring treat (6,3) 8. Fellow members assemble there in barn, except one (8) 11. Second-hand part turns up in Tyneside suburb (4) 14. Occasionally four fail test (4) 15. A big number left Russian river in shame (9) 16. Feeling unwell in cocktail lounge (3) 17. Company provided sister’s headgear (4) 18. Notice project worker and officer (8) 20. Draw up large flier (4) 21. Reprieve girl controlling den (7) 22. Website chief employs IT enthusiast (6) 24. Cube encased in gold is so long (5) 26. Verse has always interested Kyoto union leaders (5) 27. London area raises expressions of surprise (4)