CRYP TIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Trace soldiers with

a wife abroad (7)

5 Game that’s unfair if not in

front? (7)

9 Point after heading off penalty

is useless (5)

10 How a drink ruined

production (9)

11 Protecting poor NHS in regions

so lacking (10)

12 Type of American who’s in now

as president? (4)

14 Tense work from

Her Majesty after second long freeze (5-7)

18 Civil servant floored chief after

reorganisation (6-6) 21 Question one – capital of

Zambia could be part of this (4) 22 Copper may be puffed, we hear,

needing courage (10)

25 Area of the Med – one in Asia

being developed (6,3)

26 Spike covering new weapon (5) 27 Heavy old Roman emperor bust

uncovered (7)

28 Regularly seen wearing Lycra –

possibly an offence! (7)

DOWN

1 She drops the man with pride

broken, finding rest (6)

2 Pole at work may be so

smeared! (6)

3 Performing troupes needing expert for place lacking atmosphere (5,5)

4 Article about female drained of

colour (5)

5 Regular design of coin in

Panama perhaps (9)

6 Bird is injected with

thiamine (4)

7 No barriers on air for smart

alecs (4-4) 8 Share mainly preserved area in

bitter surroundings (4,4) 13 Graves may be put here once I

lower rent (4,6)

15 Part of UK greeting schedules

for extreme sceptics (9) 16 Doctor and son left nothing for

carrier of disease (8)

17 Plight of a boyfriend

after fine? (8)

19 Example lacking in approach (6) 20 This is why broadcast is

blasphemy (6) 23 Parliamentarian turned up

holding communication (5) 24 Staple food like this needs a

good filling (4)