CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

2. One studying with pips in view? (5)

5. Those attending match note tea-break (4)

7. One on the board occupied by chairman? (4)

8. In being given weapons our appearance was protectively coated (8)

9. Guess how much it will be to achieve tie with teams (8)

11. Fullness of wine, as opposed to spirit? (4)

12. Inferior status of one’s intellect? (13)

15. Gets to the head of work in a backstreet (4)

17. Mob unfortunately perished after the East incorporated it (8)

19. Like half-sister to Edward helped out (8)

21. Go very fast and it may create a hold-up in the middle (4)

22. Don’t go for support (4)

23. We may spend every other letter slipped in gradually (5)

DOWN

1. Tank-top: why, it’s a crime! (7)

2. Stop filming the joint (3)

3. After a tipple, a play (5)

4. Artist’s colour putting a finish to uncontrolled anger (7) 5. Was conversant, we hear, with an antelope (3)

6. Tyre pattern to press with one’s foot (5)

10. Said to be wrong about the East, they nevertheless come to mind (5)

11. Foretold how I – me, too – got excluded from 17 (5)

13. Reps, etc, going about with spirit (7)

14. Parts of compasses require a boy to furnish them (7)

16. Film crew found here at start of attack (5)

18. Waits for one to be in bed somehow with start of sickness (5)

20. Is vacillating, yet such are the initials of Hedera (3)

21. A layer of oysters at the bottom of the sea (3)