The Telegraph - CRYPTIC CROSSWORD NO: 28,300 - Dec 17 2016

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Clues Answers
A British composer, one staying on the 9 ABSTAINER
A party gets navy on deck ADORN
American soldier visiting upset Christmas host LEGION
Chap having audacity to strike grand official MANDARIN
Drink of type unknown BRANDY
Dumps Labrador perhaps BLACKDOG
Elite athlete once running round East CREAM
European caught notorious criminal -- one with high self-opinion EGOTRIPPER
Fletcher -- an ungainly footballer CENTREHALF
Group of Nicaraguan rebel fighters? It's run illegally CONTRABAND
He delivers cutting remark about wife with hesitation SAWYER
I'm surprised, keeping poems by Tennyson originally in reserve MODESTY
In time, great flows from the south becoming essential INTEGRAL
Instruction providing unfavourable information about the City I have to follow DIRECTIVE
Lady's partner married in horse-drawn vehicle TRAMP
Clues Answers
Lorry to continue shaking WAGON
Lots in detective team coming back with force DYNAMIC
Mere elk roaming around area LAKE
Naval vessel runs old fighter into shelter built for fliers CORVETTE
Old scientist treated English troop PHRENOLOGIST
People watching rowing boat crossing river GALLERY
Petition therefore within the law SOLICIT
Race in the bustling business centre ETHNICITY
Really honest bubbly people seeking mates LONELYHEARTS
Record not so strong I put in denial of responsibility DISCLAIMER
Some French fiend and a tragic heroine DESDEMONA
Team triumphed CREW
Top marks picked up by expert ACME
Well-groomed cattle NEAT
Work with relief manager after this person turned up EMBOSS