The Telegraph - TOUGHIE CROSSWORD NO: 1,245 - Aug 22 2014

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Clues Answers
... leading position during initial phase ALPHA
A black mark against leaders of exciting race in TT ABSTAINER
and 13: Spike holding dance in the edge of the wood TREE
and 22: Visitors using one route reported rain AWAY
and 25: Chain guard up with bag? Agree to differ about this GEAR
As for an inclination, no dreamer he! REALIST
Beach on Ostend's front shelters old thingamajig SOANDSO
Convinced about truth? Not quite -- it's a facade SURFACE
Garibaldis in her Italian cases cast aside by Will DISINHERIT
Gossip involving Cameron lands government in it SCANDALMONGER
He's so distraught -- being about stumped for dance partner HOSTESS
Heads follow secondary route with veggies BROADBEANS
Instrument Mum's taken up is leading to extremes of emotion SAMISEN
Lecture given by agent -- on edge moreover REPRIMAND
Limeys from a long distance among spectators SEAFARERS
Clues Answers
Meal punctuated by suggestions of hilarity and tomfoolery in letter from abroad THETA
Oblique connection one's formed, in conclusion TOENAIL
Period without Mark at home makes relationship TIEIN
Politician in drink is expansive AMPLE
Poultry parts unknown in odd stores OYSTERS
Put up scenery with genuine character from Elsinore LAERTES
Sappers force is on ship to regain ... REPOSSESS
See 12 LINE
See 21 TEAM
See 6 CASE
Singlet and smalls to launder? Odoriferous, them! SMELLINGSALTS
Slow start for bus on incline BRAKE
Spread provided by Peter -- of age said to be ambiguous PATEDEFOIEGRAS
Two slices of tripe eaten by lively Chester gathering occasioning ambulance crew? STRETCHERPARTY
With southern area cleared, plant is void ANNUL