Cryptic crossword

ACROSS

3. They’re not what they seem in sport, so I’m upset (9) 8. Part of an intermediate

academic period (4) 9 & 16Ac. Appears as the target for the marksman does (5,4,5) 10. More insensitive to

mathematical quantity (6) 11. Entitled me to come in

and change (5) 14. This will stick cheap

jewellery (5) 15. When accompanied by fire, this produces methane (4) 16. See 9 Across 18. Stake boat (4) 20. This can be measured to

a certain degree (5) 21. The whole taken together

is coarse (5) 24. Affliction coming from

hooligans or rowdies (6) 25. Declaration of intent is

clear and nothing more (9) 26. Double commendation

on return (4) 27. It lists the events for

professional lightweight (9)

DOWN

1. Duct underneath spectators’ seating is a water outlet (9) 2. Showing hopeful signs of taking the pledge (9) 4. To secure the boat you need space on return (4) 5. Ring Margaret and then get a letter (5) 6. Closely followed a description of most animals (6) 7. Assess the speed (4) 9. The sequence, we hear, for a Roman goddess (5) 11. Spiced drink for North

African potentate (5) 12. Ground/sea arrangement

can be full of hazards (9) 13. Hurry with water supply

for wild blue flower (9) 17. Thanks to a cry of disapproval, it’s not allowed (5) 19. Carrying out judicial work

is annoying (6) 22. Italian city is brown when

burnt, we hear! (5) 23. Sounds like one fruit, but

it’s two (4) 24. Check the flower-holder (4)