PRIZE CROSSWORD
For this puzzle we’ve provided two sets of clues, each giving the same answers. One set of clues is cryptic, one set is quick. It’s a good way to hone your skills, because it gives you two ways to crack the crossword! Two winners will be chosen randomly from all entries (cryptic and quick clues). So whichever set of clues you follow you have an equal chance of winning!
CRYPTIC CLUES
ACROSS
3 After short time, legendary footballer is not the favourite (6, 4)
8 Local area with hospital east of the French capital (6)
9 Editor needs a day to reach northern city of Alberta (8)
10 Gregory the writer gives pick-me-up, we’re told, to old man (8)
11 British control eastern island, part of Borneo (6)
12 Gave reply, and read news out (8) 15 Lozenges or pills that a store distributed (6, 9)
17 University study concerning ruined arches (8)
19 One’s willing to give this, say, in delicate wrapping (6)
23 Many rise after being reformed at religious school (8)
24 Tom cared about US politician (8) 25 Annoyed, having no clothes on? That’s about right (6)
26 Wearing ceremonial garment for Stock Exchange activity (10)
DOWN
1 Metal disc provided by person who’ll make you 4 Down? (6)
2 50% reduction in violence at home? That’s a fiddle (6)
3 Person who does the stock-taking in a supermarket (10)
4 Innocent after taking a bath? (5, 2, 1, 7) 5 Call English fellow up (4) 6 Fertiliser – hardly sumptuous food for Rover (4, 4)
7 Straight man gets upset about nothing repeatedly (6)
11 Booking into top expensive restaurant, for starters one has nibbles (5) 13 Subsidence in colony (10)
14 Dirty task, holding soiled top (5) 16 In singular succession, the Queen’s autobiography? (3, 2, 3) 18 Speaker’s to observe thin woman (6) 20 Good way in for the aristocracy (6) 21 Ice cream container for music maker (6) 22 Mischievous child bitten by zebra – terrible! (4)
QUICK CLUES
ACROSS
3 Not meeting all one’s wishes (6, 4)
8 Local church community (6) 9 Canadian city famous for its festivals (8)
10 - - - Gregory, author of The Other Boleyn Girl (8) 11 Oil-rich sultanate bordering Malaysia (6) 12 Picked up the phone? (8) 15 Cough drops (6, 9) 17 Investigate (8)
19 Gift by will (6) 23 Academy for prospective priests (8) 24 Republican’s opponent (8) 25 Irritated (6) 26 Financing (10)
DOWN
1 Household appliance (6) 2 Bowed instrument (6)
3 Petty criminal (10)
4 Spotless (5, 2, 1, 7)
5 Nominate (4)
6 Animal derived fertiliser (4, 4)
7 Moe, Larry or Curly (6) 11 Muzzle wearer? (5) 13 Resolution (10)
14 - - - Springfield, singer (5) 16 1996 top 10 single by Cher (3, 2, 3)
18 Come On - - -, no 1 hit for Dexys Midnight Runners (6) 20 Persons of high birth (6) 21 Ice cream wafer (6) 22 Urchin, imp (4)