CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1 Not long to wait for the 100 metres race, for instance (2,3,5,3) 10 At the end of odd day, they had drifted apart (9) 11 Some artists had an empty stable to contain a catlike animal (5) 12 Even though, they were against things, notwithstanding (7) 13 At the end, deserve one academic title (7) 14 Face up to compete with a South African group, initially (6) 16 Tote list around, armed with a narrow blade (8) 18 It's right to head off one handing over power with a gun (8) 20 Did a boss have a little time to adorn something? (4,2) 23 Is on the way to get through France ... (2,5) 24 ... and, in the winter, race through a row of houses (7) 26 Left old cross behind by a French runner (5) 27 Unsettling injury from time in charge (9) 28 In a long line, stations are developed to house large pieces of equipment (13)

Down

2 Records small number with two hands getting folding money (5) 3 Going ahead at the front, in good order (7) 4 Made one's mark on the bottom line (6) 5 Items left over include peculiar pieces, at times (8)6 Did an old sailor have to ring an American writer? (7) 7 Lacked tall wooden support, to be honest (9) 8 Turned upside down, but was completely enamoured (4,4,5) 9 Have a role to play, at some stage (3,2,2,3,3) 15 At the end, sign over design of an old coin (9) 17 Mounted on a strong base, it has to be admired 8) 19 Was vulgarly showy, and made the most noise (7) 21 New birth for old man, in short, suffering blood clots (7) 22 Get a lot of pastries turning up in layers (6) 25 Have to do what's been decided, at some stage (5)