CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1. Being keenly priced, is relishing the challenge in sport (11) 7. No English stopover arranged for mayor from Scotland (7) 9. How river will run at setting in of the tide (4)

11. Be in the drink, but find a tree (5)

12. Go back to the way one was right, and always on time (6) 14. Vegetable that gives one wolf a cruel upset (11)

18. Is not there when Naval rating gets posted (6) 20. Theatrical backer may bring one a heavenly message (5) 22. Conversation held in a hospital kitchen (4)

23. In bed a valiant man needs something to smoke (7) 24. Animal and vegetable combine in condiment (11)

Down

2. Fish-shaped float may be used in poor sea (7) 3. Expresses disapproval of some famous tutor turning up (4) 4. Say what it’s worth to find uranium in the valley (5)

5. Give voice to first Sherpa on the mountaintop (5)

6. Band of ground mown showing what’s amiss (5) 8. Across the country – without leaving the shore? (8) 10. Forlorn way tale does unfold (8)

13. If it produces fat, a sailor puts it behind him (3)

15. To prepare a legal document may absorb one completely (7) 16. Trust the soccer organisation to hit out (5)

17. Give a metallic surface to a denture (5)

19. Clause saving discharge from the artillery (5)

21. A cliff may leave its mark (4)