CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1. Utter words rhythmically, aimlessly and fast (7) 5. Demand twin sister’s portion (6)

9. Hapless king entertained by a French girl (7) 10. Broadcast brief description of weather in July? (7) 11. I agree a positive answer should be cut (3)

12. Limit dealing with firm at home importing oxygen (11)

13. Begin to vary drink excessively (5)

14. Slate table broken by the Spanish pundit? (9) 16. Trading on-line, English come across German car (1-8)

17. Ill-defined onset of violent fever (5) 19. Award roughly emblazoned around runner’s front (6,5)

22. Like small animal (3) 23. Where to teach driver’s child within range (7) 24. Illegal position in game is right in uk (7)

26. More work needed to get ideal location (6)

27. Under the table, ie deeply drunk, left abandoned (3-4)

Down

1. Plant top-of-the-range pub in the middle (7)

2. Fossil expert friend takes a long time to record one stone (15)

3. Conservative party swaps places for medic (3) 4. Yankees bring in old, very large toys (2-3)

5. Stylish revolutionary American organised church cover (9)

6. French novelist pulled up tree (5)

7. A measure of alcohol – it’s included in correct sauce (8,7)

8. Young swimmer sounds like small seal (6)

12. Sign of a cold space by the sound of it (5)

14. Extremely petty European country’s burning desire? (9)

15. Even students go over the day before (5)

16. Give relief to manager after middle of November? (6)

18. Journalist hides a gun in part of London (4,3) 20. Secure more expensive belt first (3,2) 21. Impecunious director backed flop (5)

25. Notice reduced charge (3)