▶ Friday's solution

Across 7. Defencelessly 8. Bear-baiting 12. Dainty 14. Enigma 16. Soured 18. Italic 19. Headmasters 23. Crossed cheque

Down 1. Herb 2. Beta 3. Scabby 4. Sluice 5. Asti 6. Slug 9. Epicure 10. Niggler 11. Laic 12. Dish 13. Toe 15. Nut 17. Damper 18. Insect 19. Hire 20. Apse 21. Even 22. Soul