2573

  22 5 42 14 25 31: 29-40, 10-26.

Across

1 Hidden by grass, squad joined after separation (8)

9 Most of scenery framed by brainbox movie maker (10)

16 Will’s interest in America essentially sprang (6)

17 Region outside northern stadium (5)

18 Dread being tense after fringe cut by bishop (5)

20 Severity when ditching mum’s gear (7)

24 Perhaps Washington satisfied with just having left out minutes (7)

28 Way to replace first two elements of obscure drawing together (7)

33 Old architect initially bought retail supply (7)

37 God, Times having run slightly advanced (5)

38 Sing greeting, getting led out (5)

39 See horse, one joined with man, making centaur (6)

41 À la Tolstoy, waving to Queen Victoria? (5,5)

43 No less than A Dandy In Aspic shunning trendy image (2,4,2)

Down

1 Cancel erratic plays, showing obstinacy (13)

2 Show power, severing from drug dealer (5)

3 Senseless to trap small bats (6)

4 Large bodies once held by surface tension (5)

6 Sort of free sheltered spot requires slight adjustment (7)

7 Pussycat Doll Nicole outing South American pop goddess in US wisecrack (6)

8 Spike – long one (4)

11 Ring, say, fan, with new flag raised in time (9)

12 Fresh appraisals about fools on ship holding hands on time (13)

13 That’s awful, stopping British dance artist (8)

15 Fleshy lad turned up in charge (7)

19 Stop at flat and chill quickly (6-3)

21 Primarily short of money, blood bank in a serious way (8)

23 Dead end setter’s old hat (7)

27 Lug wife away from fashion – difficult situation (3-4)

30 Spells of headless zombies on the move (6)

32 Ostler regularly chasing evasive animal (6)

34 Half of panel upset deplorable backstabber (5)

35 Croupier’s own job description is perfect (5)

36 Clear day sees United demoted (4) 

A first prize of £30 for the first correct solution opened on 3 October.