CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 After collapse on the track, one had to conform (4,4,4)

8 Overtake a good engine, initially, in transit (7)

9 Took on another issue when endorsed as a candidate (7)

11 For a beginner that’s gone, end up in a castle (4)

12 Depressed big character making a Danish dairy item (4,6)

14 Sharpens up, on time, to be fair (6)

15 Cast lied about getting into strongholds (8) 17 Cattle finish up going over the last pasture being tidied up (8)

19 Bear the mark of dishonour. What a shame (6)

22 One man took a bad beating before being rounded up (10)

23 Have some connection with Georgia leaving a Russian composer (4)

25 Run true to form, to bring one up (7) 26 A friend had to turn right for the love of it (7) 27 Final announcements of the competitors in

a race (12) DOWN 1 With onset of production, need to dress things up (7)

2 Leaders left out all day. It’s quite a burden (4)

3 High standards shown in one side, also (6) 4 Deals with a new finish, as part exchange (6,2)

5 Courageous characters come up on the rails (4-6)

6 Heavyweight returned, at this point, but then stayed away (3,4) 7 Recognition of unease can cause angst (12) 10 Some big game hunters need items of 16 down (12)

13 Start off with 18 down routine, normally (2,3,5) 16 Principal equipment employed in cover-up (8) 18 Slander second eleven, initially, in accordance with Latin, at first (7) 20 Construct good covers, with little hesitation, for some aircraft (7)

21 A new fellow just has to perform. Indeed (2,4)

24 It can take a month to go round the county (4)