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Agreed....re OATS...very weak definition.

28. Brass bands I think refers to marching bands and the military men (and women) who march to them ‘in step’. Not sure why it is “steps” and not “step” though.

Jono,... my mistake, it was step, not steps. Predictive texting on my mobile.

Anyone worked out 21a yet?
See below....
21a. Arrests for minor assaults?
PINCHES

24a. Sharp bend in track before part of course
DOGLEG

2d. Many wives finally getting something to cover legs
TIGHTS

27a. Causes irritation, but agrees with name for first of sons
NETTLES

17d. Reduce support for part of Oxford, perhaps - that's a blow
UPPERCUT

Parses for the above please

27 Settles would be 'agrees', swap the S (first of sons) for N, name, to get Nettles. causes irritation.

17 D., Upper is the top part oif a shoe, Oxford is a type of shoe. Cut = reduce support. Uppercut, a type of blow, punch.

In " D, is the word Many definitely correct? Merry wives... would work for Tights. Merry = Tight, drunk and the S comes from the end of wives (wives finally).

24 Dogleg, sharp bend.
Dog = track,, follow
Leg - part of course, stage etc.

Sorry Malone.... you are right....it should be "merry". Predictive texting messing me up, I should check before posting.
Cheers

21a. Arrests for minor assaults?
PINCHES

6d. Backs element in legal case
DEFENCE

14a. A dope clearly disheartened in business
AGENCY

15d. Man on top of island's mountain
BEN NEVIS

8a. Funny to see a number walk like sailors
DROLL

2d. Big racial issue?
EXODUS

Parses for the above please.