CRYPTIC CROSSWORD NO 951

For today’s solutions, text CLUE followed by the clue (eg: ‘CLUE 1 Down’) to 53307 ¤0.60 per sms received. SP Phonovation, PO Box 6,

Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin. Helpline 0818 217100

Across 1 Blab about frost - it generates least interest (5,4). 6 Foundation for graduates exists... (5). 9 ... to make love with hair styled back for us! (7). 10 Top-class drugs agent got back line relating to the brain (7). 11 Hauled up before European, hide (5). 12 Decisive step, caught amid New York harshness (9). 13 If pirate is at sea, have a drink for starters (8). 15 Gets finally to joke about prelude to crash (4). 19 Clothe one in the army this way (4). 20 Piece of software with ability to listen came along (8). 23 A scale put in order, say, like peas in a pod (9). 24 Seek to decorate metal by engraving (5). 26 Manual I rewrite on mineral (7). 27 Uninspired steps taken without hesitation (7). 28 Call to account, putting gold down before appeal (5). 29 Cancels players with no handicap (9).

Down 1 Force to go to sea with paper group (5,4). 2 Say, am I coming up to the picture? (5). 3 New stereo in club initially is for specialists only (8). 4 Puzzle angry parasite, audibly (8). 5 Extra play before involving corporal or sergeant (6). 6 Drink made from part of grain and some colorant (6). 7 Orator loses energy outside pub - one is raised to be filled with wind (9). 8 Attempt at humour, perhaps, around beginners (5). 14 With OT book batter poet (4,5). 16 Activists seize theologian and monarch - they’re incompetent! (9). 17 Mimic holds vegetables for one trying to avoid quarrel (8). 18 Nice nest constructed in ignorance (8). 21 Amusingly odd in capacity of teacher around one (6). 22 Make trouble for rising girl - she’s first (6). 23 Girl giving endless applause to academy artist (5). 25 Tree cut by sanctimonious one is affected (5).