CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Sappers are unable to

withdraw (6)

5 Painter displaying unusual

traits (6)

8 Doctor Kildare’s western

town (8) 9 Reportedly strain to see large jetty (4)

10 Hothead returns the stake (4) 11 Concern for money that’s accrued (8) 12 Trendy jibe by country caused outrage (11)

15 Extra mutant named Dud (8)

18 Time to request piece of work (4)

20 Accept bet, though not at first (4)

21 Tea, eagerly brewed, is about right (4,4) 22 Light‑coloured petals

dispersed (6) 23 Seldom trust soldiers

first (6)

DOWN

2 Force out movie about boy (5)

3 Ungraceful bird heard, needing room (7)

4 Mockery of seating arrangement (7) 5 Check accounts of German car over time (5)

6 Heavy drinker swilling port, about a quarter (5)

7 Toss net out to find big hat (7)

12 Countryman annexes a state (7)

13 Married, unfortunately, one fancying another (7)

14 Number, for instance, in Bury (7)

16 Strain river, right? (5)

17 Live with dunderhead by the spring (5)

19 Nick metal, reportedly (5)