Possible Clues:

• Sturdy and hardy
• Though strong, burst: developed a hole within
• Stout Bobby takes you and me to court in the end
• Strong or about to break?
• Hale
• Inverted or broken strapping
• Right -- nothing broken and enjoying good health
• Macedonia is out of sodium carbonate and that's tough
• Unlikely to break
• Healthy old boy going into decline