CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
ACROSS
1 Decline to attend Clyde’s old ground (2,2,3,4) 9 Have capacity to catch up on approach (5) 10 Dines at home to a finish, and uses up more then intended (4,4) 12 Having removed the moisture with long line, bored a hole in it (7) 13 Runner accepted temporary accommodation to ease tensions (7) 14 Was unable to get over first verse (5) 15 One can’t free up the crossing-point (9) 18 With European capital, US lawyer could follow some stars (9) 20 In fact, was doctor soon put in the frame? (5) 21 Have to stow consignment in good order when packing (7) 24 Must take a little girl out into the ground (7) 25 In the US, misrepresent a party in a state (8) 26 Small seabird following at the back of the boat (5) 27 It’s an important festival children look forward to nowadays (7,4)
DOWN
2 Had to return greeting from a dramatic
character (7) 3 Finish career in Top Gear (9) 4 It’s hard to have arranged date. In fact, one couldn’t stand it (5) 5 Doctor provided short-term closure for one with no fixed abode (7) 6 Embarked on a good ship, and prospered (3,2) 7 Can forecast from the start. In fact, it’s expected (11) 8 The first mate lined things up, and was denigrated for it (8) 11 Promote some workers, at last, in large building project (11) 16 Convey some goods to entrance in carriage (9) 17 Broadcast verses in 16 down carriers (8) 19 Threatening a dire warning if 8 down (7) 20 At last, get pay-off from the crossbar (7) 22 Spent a short time at an ancient city having an affair (5) 23 Good downpour is just the thing for corn crop (5)