CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 The right oven for the joint (5)

6 Avoids runners about to make a poor start (5)

9 Bridge’s associate game (7)

10 Remove a long piece (5)

11 Heroes have their pride (5)

12 Many a vital part may project overboard (5)

13 Excited when promoted after being sacked (5,2)

15 She’s a fixer (3)

17 Freshwater duck with a red back (4)

18 I go far, in potential, as a barber (6)

19 Suit what athletes train to do (5)

20 Follows suggestions (6)

22 There’s a trick about taking us in (4)

24 The yachtsman’s cry for attention (3)

25 Taking a horse out for some period, get soaked! (7)

26 Marks made by bolts (5)

27 Granddad’s wireless? (5)

28 One watches them being projected (5)

29 Went round the world, as stated on Tuesday (7)

30 Blue ones are fine! (5)

31 Dignitaries in Chaldean society (5)

DOWN

2 One may be in doubt as to how to make a better offer (6)

3 Creature that goes around in prides (6)

4 A leading spinner (3)

5 One keeping watch? (5)

6 To canvass is so legal! (7)

7 Unite to get Christopher out of the way (4)

8 By going round the pub, one gets somewhere near Harrow (6)

12 Noble fellows useful in a punch-up (5)

13 Bridge partner, the so-called “fourth” (5)

14 Crashed early in the race (5)

15 Become familiar with a pulp product (3,2)

16 Look embarrassed when wounded (5)

18 Punches a skinhead in brief attacks (5)

19 Saul’s loud outcries? (7)

21 Something said about an evangelist (6)

22 Trapped in matted reeds, I remain (6)

23 A good talking to (6)

25 Frowning in consternation (5)

26 It may hurt a little at closing time (4)

28 Given food by a fatheaded fellow (3)