March 2000 - Standard 15 x 15 Cryptic Crossword

Clues - Across

1. Not pure but could be loyal (5)

4. Leather sure to be inflexible (9)

9. Sort of helmet that's best in a melee (7)

11. Distinctive titles in new collection of verse about New York (7)

12. Especially good, yet not at all well done (4)

13. Base used by forgers (5)

14. Studies Pythagoras - some of it one needs to watch (4)

17. "The Moon's faint?" That's odd, coming from Shakespeare (5,2,6)

19. Cover for somebody? (4,9)

21. Debauchee has nothing to be sorry about (4)

22. "This is perfect" thought the student (5)

23. Doing imitations makes her cry (4)

26. One variety of winged duck (7)

27. A piece of soap! (7)

28. He saw himself as winning on the pools (9)

29. I come in on a footnote about one of Falstaff's friends (5)

Clues - Down

1. Kind of garden centre in Carmarthen, supported by the corporation (9)

2. Purification after five years of desire and spirit (7)

3. Foreigner with pull (4)

5. Departed unwillingly? (4,9)

6. Deride Pole for being in favour (4)

7. Greek hero, oddly sly in habits (7)

8. Attractive girl, but reserved (5)

10. Can as used for Enid's convenience food (3,2,8)

15. Coloured liquid over iron weapon (5)

16. Lascivious looks from heartless lechers (5)

18. Bentley's lines (9)

19. Make sure one hasn't any dirty habit? (7)

20. Black magic following rain storm in Africa (7)

21. Ash adds line to article (5)

24. Spirit in the aperitif (4)

25. Is breaking the record, so to speak (4)