Comments on: Guardian 25,785 – Rufus

By: Brendan (not that one)

Brendan (not that one) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 17:25:52 +0000

RCW @23 Actually very close. But “The Plastics” are not to be mentioned in football circles in my home town!

By: RCWhiting

RCWhiting — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 12:43:11 +0000

Brendan – obviously from Blackburn.

By: Dave Ellison

Dave Ellison — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 09:23:49 +0000

john mcc I went for that too, but no aristo upbringing

By: john mcc

john mcc — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 07:34:55 +0000

24ac – I settled on “covers” with beaten track as the definition. Beaters beat the covers in a pheasant shoot. Just my aristo upbringing

By: Brendan (not that one)

Brendan (not that one) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 21:25:30 +0000

Usual Monday fare.

However, having considered the options, I rejected LOSERS preferring ROVERS.

As with many a RUFUS there isn’t really a definitive answer. (Except of course the one he chose to which there is no certain path! )

By: RCWhiting

RCWhiting — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 21:19:24 +0000

The fuss about losers is surely a bit contrived.
If you are ‘beaten’ you are a loser, by definition.
You might be, but not essentially, several other things which are quoted above.
The ‘track’ reference just makes the obvious more obvious.

By: Martin P

Martin P — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 19:36:49 +0000

I find any cryptic crossword a bit like running ten miles.

I’m always pleased I can do it at all.

I found a bit more in this than some Mondays’ too.

By: muffin

muffin — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 19:24:28 +0000

Muck@16 – because losers make a habit of being beaten?

By: muck

muck — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 18:33:47 +0000

Thanks manehi and Rufus.
As per other comments, I tried various possibilities for 24a, including cOmEtS
Why is LOSERS the answer?

By: Neill91

Neill91 — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 18:03:21 +0000

As regards 24a I couldn’t decide from amongst BOXERS, DOZERS or MOWERS. I still don’t see where the track come in for losers.