Prize crossword
For this puzzle we’ve provided two sets of clues, each giving the same answers. One set of clues is cryptic, one is quick. It’s a good way to hone your skills because it gives you two ways to crack the crossword! Once complete, the letters in the shaded squares, when read from top to bottom, left to right, will spell out a word — this is your prize answer. Write it on the entry coupon on page 111 and post it to us or enter online. Two winners will be chosen randomly from all correct entries and whichever set of clues you follow, you have an equal chance of revealing the prize answer and winning!
Cryptic clues
ACROSS
1 A serious nautical direction (6)
5 Wanted knight to go into action (7)
9 Without core of fleet, a large raft founders in sea battle (9)
10 Either way, she’s a little brat! (5)
11 Perhaps absence of satisfactory hidey-hole (4)
12 Reportedly take metal (5)
13 Ungenerous to say with intent (4)
16 One in Chamonix skied around two learners with little expertise (9)
18 Naval recruit is enthusiastic, ultimately capable, but not with parking! (5)
19 Wrote about castle structure (5)
21 Ice blast afflicted a northern region of water (6, 3)
23 Flower in hair, I see (4)
24 Part of a boat said to be part of a tree (5)
26 Unnecessarily concealing garment (4)
29 Thanks for every candle (5)
30 Change into a suit for a job (9)
31 Judgments can appear in newspapers (7)
32 Find tip of harpoon on board grimy vessel (6)
DOWN
2 Follows advert inserted into exhibits (7)
3 Eastern man returned test (4)
4 Where one can dance in dark black suit endlessly (9)
5 Desperate to include grand lament (5)
6 Wrestling with old maths problem at first (4)
7 Neil Kinnock was one socialist leader? (7)
8 Display bad spirit right inside police HQ (13)
9 Terrible woe with stuttering? This won’t help! (6, 7)
14 Before start of year, surprise attack written up in journal (5)
15 Even letters from dancer I had are bitter (5)
17 Pleased to have been cast into darkness? (9)
20 Flog favourite dog (7)
22 & 28D A man’s ship, wrecked in region once known for piracy (7, 4)
25 Rock band in love with Status Quo? (5)
27 Item that supports new high-fibre food (4)
28 See 22D
Quick clues
ACROSS
1 Towards the back of a ship (6)
5 Lusted after (7)
9 - - - Square, home of Nelson’s Column (9)
10 Polite form of address for a woman (5)
11 Recess (4)
12 Hard alloy (5)
13 Average (4)
16 Unqualified (9)
18 Military trainee (5)
19 Tall building (5)
21 Waters off the Swedish coast (6, 3)
23 Part of the eye (4)
24 Tree’s large branch (5)
26 Indian garment (4)
29 Grow more narrow (5)
30 Particular circumstances (9)
31 Viewing figures (7)
32 Small boat (6)
DOWN
2 Cliff Richard’s onetime backing group (7)
3 Formal assessment (4)
4 Disco (9)
5 Mournful song (5)
6 Japanese sport contested in a basho (4)
7 Ginger-haired person (7)
8 Protest march (13)
9 Phrase that is difficult to say (6, 7)
14 Book in which to note down appointments (5)
15 Unpleasantly caustic in smell or taste (5)
17 Extremely happy (9)
20 Fast-running dog (7)
22 European language (7)
25 Fertile spot in the desert (5)
27 Cereal husks (4)
28 Primary (4)