CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Was at the required standard, but had to withdraw, at the end (2,2,7) 9 Find an alternative section of the flight path (5) 10 Drop in, to get stuck into the opposition (4,4) 12 In the meantime, about to show one’s genuine (7) 13 Introduce the president about to confront a challenge (7) 14 It’s needed to get rid of the first downpour (5) 15 Once had data arranged on line, based on hearsay (9) 18 Cites rule drawn up for some grids (9) 20 Faint glow of a fire at the end of last month (5) 21 They had to work very hard to repel the Greeks, in the past (7) 24 The most gentle of people may inherit everything, we’re told (7) 25 Did a member of the special forces throw up a curve ball? (8) 26 Concert cut short, followed by old advertising campaign (5) 27 Do local worthies have the personalities to become superstars? (11)

DOWN

2 Irish fellow caught a seabird by design (7) 3 The player in possession had his wits about him (2, 3 4) 4 Caught the French politician involved in vice (5) 5 One denies preparing a liquorice-like flavour (7) 6 Is about to come back with thanks for surplice (5) 7 On the opposing team, at the end, and was understanding about it (11) 8 Giving a German security to a worker could be quite generous (8) 11 Cared about old Latin form of announcement (11) 16 At last, poems composed on singular purgative (5,4) 17 Suitable work surface for the leading players in a division (3,5) 19 It’s hard to come up with an ace; in fact, it’s a travesty (7) 20 Conceal the final excerpts, at the end (7) 22 Speak out, or took it all in (5) 23 Search for small dog, having nothing to eat (5)