CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Sets free (8) 5. Quasrtzlike form of hydrated silica (4) 8. Strives for superiority (4) 9. Oil purification plant (8) 10. Sewing implements (7) 12. Bony case enclosing the brain (5) 15. Thick rope of wire (5) 16. Great spotted cat (7) 20. Took risks (8) 21. Sediment deposited by water in a channel (4) 22. Small children (4) 23. Put in order (8)

DOWN:

1. Gorges (7) 2. Superior bound to give feudal service (5) 3. Swell of the waves at sea (5) 4. Sieve to separate finer and coarser parts (4) 6. Take for granted (7) 7. Faithful to duty or love (5) 11. Parasitic insect (5) 12. Simultaneous firing of guns as a salute (5) 13. Showcase (7) 14. Tranquillised by drugs (7) 15. Desire eagerly, especially something that belongs to another (5) 17. Of a greater age (5) 18. Imitating (5) 19. Long accompanied song for solo voice in an opera (4)

Win a bottle of Gavi di Gavi – Palladino and Barbera d’Alba – Palladino, provided by Charles Grech Co Ltd, Valley Road, Birkirkara

Please send your entries to ALL competitions to Features, Standard Publications, Birkirkara Hill, St Julian’s STJ 1149 and nowhere else. Please put the name of the competition on the left hand corner of the envelope.

30 December 2018