CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: NO. 28,806

Across

1 Company taken in by cunning university official and cleric (10)

6 One of the armed forces protected by American vessels (4)

9 Article held in trust exceptionally for players out of form (7)

10 Beginning to talk and walk like ducks? Nonsense! (7)

12 Earth-shattering volte-face? (6,2,5)

14 Doctor misses treacle (8) 15 Constant smells from these inlets? (6)

17 Desire must come before soldiers shine (6)

19 A clan involved in plot must be fair (8)

21 His old gran? She lost these investments (13)

24 RADA, say, needs a friend with millions (7)

25 Something that makes you cry about sanctimonious belief (7)

26 Concludes dispatch moving leader to the Far East (4)

27 Racist son’s cooked breakfast in France? (10)

Down 1

topless needing 2 Type Local Professional of authority roles to degree be (4) heard bridge-builder offered advice (7) by 3 who impression? might make (6,7) an

4 Appointed in the role of token journalist (8)

5 Get the better of some, without doubt (5)

7 Poorly rated exercises in bureaucracy (3,4)

8 Son shed tears before a team is dismissed (5,5)

11 Sarah prepared father escargots, but very tough (2,4,2,5)

13 Underwear with lace designed to be of limited size (5-5)

16 Do nothing in fixing train fare from India (8)

18 Afraid to cross river with evidence of injuries (7)

20 Pad and copper ring used in climb (7)

22 Shellfish for me really encapsulates it! (5)

23 Responsibility, but it’s our treat (4)