Double Crossword

Cryptic puzzle

Across

1. One who tries out a canopy (6)

4. Observer to give an opinion with some hesitation (6)

9. Accounts which are stretched because taxes are going haywire! (13)

10. Feels the effect of southern winters in France (7)

11. Hot drink for the eastern potentate (5)

12. A sententious saying for a spritely type (5)

14. Warms up for preliminary contests (5)

18. Nora’s wild horses (5)

19. It’s unfortunate if she gets involved with pals (7)

21. Presents a single team - reserves for use in the future! (4,2,3,4)

22. To meet death from a sniper is hideous (6)

23. Man on the board at the end of the day, one hears (6)

Down

1. You’ll find me involved with this doctrine (6)

2. Steam trains to be re-routed - by him? (7-6)

3. Winger of uncertain age connected with the French (5)

5. Concentrated on how the use of a verb may vary (7)

6. Shearing absent-mindedly! (4-9)

7. Some of the pleasures I still refuse to give up (6)

8. Many hurry to get fruity drink (5)

13. Caledonian taken in by mother’s charms (7)

15. Be quiet and deal with the parcel (4,2)

16. Worth altering the cast (5)

17. A way up a track (6)

20. Each in the vessel producing a hymn of praise (5)

Quick puzzle

Across

1. Niche (6)

4. Division (6)

9. Football striker (6-7)

10. Weird (7)

11. Fruit (5)

12. Adhere (5)

14. English county (5)

18. Assign (5)

19. Lover (7)

21. Very unusual (13)

22. Boat’s steering device (6)

23. Debase (6)

Down

1. Bigot (6)

2. Complimented (13)

3. Warning device (5)

5. Small bunch of flowers (7)

6. Unsuitable (13)

7. Small flying insects (6)

8. Frequently (5)

13. Small house (7)

15. Profession (6)

16. Ward off (5)

17. Pastel (6)

20. Indian corn (5)

Friday’s solutions

CRYPTIC

Across: 7 Picture-houses; 8 Accurate; 9 Fast; 10 Sunset; 12 Denise; 14 Staple; 16 Domain; 18 Abel; 20 Serenade; 22 Electro-magnet Down: 1 Discount; 2 Stoups; 3 Area; 4 Shielded; 5 Muffin; 6 Pegs; 11 Treasure; 13 Skin-deep; 15 Palace; 17 Manage; 19 Bill; 21 Rime

QUICK

Across: 7 Metamorphosis; 8 Distance; 9 Pale; 10 Linnet; 12 Volley; 14 Annual; 16 League; 18 Chic; 20 Rigidity; 22 Insignificant Down: 1 Decision; 2 Fasten; 3 Corn; 4 Upheaval; 5 Compel; 6 Bill; 11 Tolerant; 13 Exultant; 15 Urchin; 17 Abduct; 19 Hone; 21 Gift