Wednesday 12 August

Across

8 Clown prepared for war, perhaps (4,4) 9 Spot in which I will go fish? (6) 10 Red four from sevens or eights (4) 11 London school probing death on the wobbly bridge (5,5) 12 Pick up only hearts and diamonds then in snap? (3,3) 14 Bridge holiday (8) 15 Hopeless at whist, I could get what it is! (7) 17 Hearts, the first discarded by those not twisting? (7) 20 Old maid and spider? (8) 22 8 Across blasted, inaccessible? (3-3) 23 Brag about drinking always, with office in location adjoining pub (4,6) 24 A little patience, else fish (4) 25 Cheat thus toyed with love, heart surrendered (6) 26 Solo effort’s last seen by retiring footballer, giant (8)

Down

1 8 Across I’m excited to take on in general (8) 2 Reportedly, celebrity out of work (4) 3 Female agent in support of players’ association was dithering (6) 4 Commentator’s anticipated error – those hanging on by a neck? (7) 5 Partying, where piano found in skip? (5-3) 6 A stitch bandaged by beauty, community professional (10) 7 Tool with key finally locked in dilapidated chest (6) 13 Eat greener bananas – and heal (10) 16 Budget ultimately invested in a better groomed animal (8) 18 Preparation for 8 Acrosses, solo and fish (8) 19 Drained cups free to be checked (7) 21 Benefit introducing former network (6) 22 Poker face in game, better concealing that (6) 24 Bounce back in elimination contest, hammering opponent firstly (4)