CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

No 16,246

ACROSS

1 Yankee faces male supporters (1-6) 5 Family members in U.S. city women’s society (2-4) 9 Told story about being entertained by Marxist (7) 10 Astute swimmer’s angle (3-4) 11 A court decree (3) 12 Bizarrely, it’s still No 1 complaint (11) 13 One who initiates mass deliveries at Lord’s (5) 14 Unique game against the French seconds (9) 16 I apply specially in colour, hoping for an answer? (5-4) 17 It spins in either direction (5) 19 Prisoners go running for development (11) 22 Step by 24 nearly finished (3) 23 Prepare old road — that is final (2-2-3) 24 Sweet ballerina (7) 26 Open empty vessel and run (6) 27 Cab briefly available, not having any duties (3-4)

DOWN

1 Met branch where sailors hang out? (7) 2 Part of speech on boring new Louvre painter (8,7) 3 Clear goal (3) 4 Irishman guarding duke’s personal transport (5) 5 Delivered case of claret infidel arranged to collect (9) 6 Left old US university diminished but trustworthy (5) 7 Speedy trip ruined with potholes and ruts, hard going (7-4,4) 8 Article by sibling part of degree course (6) 12 Stall expensive car entering northern river (5) 14 Income assessment most unfair involving good person (5,4) 15 Female’s ordinary name for wader (5) 16 People shoot these in river quietly, during attacks (6) 18 Got up and put away salmon perhaps (7) 20 Broadcast promotion in port (5) 21 Contribution from one penny-pinching enthusiast (5) 25 Very cross about European bug (3)