CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

4 See 12 Ac. 8 Trim the Christmas tree (6) 9 Badly trains a factory operative (7) 10 Work in the arena indicating the boundaries (6) 11 Gradually take in the implications of a synopsis (6) 12 and 4Ac Manoeuvres that are definitely off-putting (8,7) 18 Weapons for the team members (8) 20 It may be paid when there’s silver in the house (6) 21 The first of the strays should be searched for (6) 22 Doesn’t scatter the rags all over the place (7) 23 It’s a Spanish sport to leap wildly about (6) 24 Thugs also involved in scraps (7)

DOWN

1 One step showing the position of the horseman (7) 2 Oil change required after voyage to Mediterranean seaport (7) 3 One tin in the pig pen is hardly sufficient (6) 5 In the present time, a connection between banks is curtailed (8) 6 Objects to disturbed nights (6) 7 Gross or a score, maybe (6) 13 Nice rest is arranged clandestinely (2,6) 14 To use bullying tactics as a cavalryman (7) 15 It’s a bit of a fag helping to fill this up (3-4) 16 It’s not as a composition could be (6) 17 Secured when buffeted by the waves (6) 19 Bolted together (6)