CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
ACROSS 1 Expensive car dumped in dock is
object of pursuit (6) 4 Stand and train to use this pull
up? (8) 9 Sets in wood perhaps, popular with amateur bowlers, ultimately (6) 10 Group chased by big cat
becoming a bundle of nerves (8) 12 Reckless potholer grabbing hold
of boxer (8) 13 One short story plus one about
type of script (6) 15 Diner’s demand for pudding in
perfect condition? (5-3,5) 18 People who go for the best
cranes (6,7) 20 Brexit starts with Conservatives getting optimistic (6) 22 Falls back, seeing mistakes by engineers (8) 24 A meeting covering European
question is enough (8) 25 Stretch middle of weekend away
(3,3) 26 Swells up, being first after
daughter finishes (8) 27 My spirit is invested in American
broadcaster (6) DOWN 1 Fruit, one of five iced at the core (6) 2 Leave it out — supporting a
student’s ease? (9) 3 Imperial Europe has changed, protecting old theatre in London (5,5,5) 5 Heavy metal’s starring role (4) 6 Performer offering a balanced performance, although high (9,6) 7 Independent in role developed
for an Oxford college (5) 8 Sort of treatment provided by wild flower in Yorkshire (8) 11 Evidence of having paid wrong price, including energy, on time (7) 14 Gaunt quietly moved by small degrees, (7) 16 Clean and most upset about source of recent weather phenomenon (4,5) 17 Small taxi, shabby, turning up that’ll carry a weapon (8) 19 A model lies regularly, the way things are (2,2,2) 21 Bride asked to reveal thoughts (5) 23 Heads of section talk up department boss (4)