ALAN LEE’S CRYPTIC CROSSWORD NO. 410

Across

1 Could be bracing for sports officials covering first base. (7) 5 Strongly impressed when brought here. (7) 9 Gazette head left alleged riot or lively movement. (7) 10 This bomb could turn one inside out. (7) 11 Never fly off. Take time with passion. (9) 12 Told to get a grip when damaged. (5) 13 and 15. Madden and Colt’s old transportation. (5,3,6) 17 Block a view from a Syrian city. (9) 19 Makes cut with NY team we

hear. (5) 22 Charm is most effective if a ring

is included. (5) 23 Superior married again then

covered up. (9) 25 Spare shows technique in

bridge. (7) 26 Inn will get over German in

time. (7) 27 Reads and understands

synopses. (7) 28 Musician’s mad lust swamps McCourt’s book. (7)

Down

1 Trade-in vehicles. (7) 2 Complaint from Portuguese queen invaded by the French. (7) 3 Dog decapitated bird. (5) 4 and 23 Brief acknowledgement by players for radio coverage. (5,4,5) 5 and 16 Imagine! Help Lucille prepare for fun function. (5,5,4) 6 Six point landing. (9) 7 Breaks shoulder losing round in Olympic event. (7) 8 Strips for cool guys keeping emotion outside. (7) 14 Man sits around having eaten, and pauses. (9) 16 see 5 down. 17 Graduates mentioned in document are made poorer. (7) 18 Horse raises insect total. (7) 20 Joint guardians for chickens. (7) 21 Brings misery to already miserable hovels. (7) 23 see 4 down. 24 City in Wales seems drab at first. (5)