CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1 Former pupils, in short, had time for a

rumpus. It's an obstacle (11)

9 Work for a long time on a musical work (5)

10 Copied a US institute, getting tied up (8)

12 One left at some stage with a trainee,

although it's against the law (7)

13 Record the first on line, at the end of a letter

(7)

14 Have a winning position, in principle, we're

told (5)

15 In confidence, I have to be buttoned-up (9)

18 Old weapons may be used when ignoring

some young women (9)

20 A large animal might be held in a ship,

possibly (5)

21 Comes across by chance, or as planned

(5,2)

24 A group of players return to class to act, at

some stage (7)

25 Was Georgia in pain, when about to meet

up with a violinist? (8)

26 A lyric poem being shown at a concert-hall

(5)

27 Writer treating 11 down by forcing a way in

(11)

Down

2 Crew included a boy in torn clothing, say (7)

3 Hearing registers can give some a chance to

join the team (9)

4 Turn over new object, at the end, to join

forces (5)

5 Arrange to meet at one for a meal (3-4)

6 Most overtime is out in the open (5)

7 Leave temporary accommodation for

another place on vacation (7,4)

8 Is determined to be single-minded, or even

reckless (4-4)

11 To move some pieces on board, at last, is a

major improvement (11)

16 Ready to get the right idea at a hole in the

wall (9)

17 Begged one to overturn more lip by day (8)

19 A ship had to turn, taking a long time, to

lighten the load (7)

20 Marksman, it's said, took on a spear-like

weapon, in the main (7)

22 A little girl got short notice to allow her to

escape (5)

23 Previously, a priest, say, had one alternative

(5)