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That did take a long time, but watching the golf at the same time didn’t help (that’s my excuse). I finally twigged the theme when I looked up 21 to see if it had another meaning and it does.

Hi Ian,

2d - 1,3,1 "those who consolidate businesses" + 1 letter "are not extremely" + 2 letter "popular"

Thanks brendan. I have never heard of the first five letters in that sense so wouldn’t have understood it.

Thanks so much Brendan and geeker for the help with the theme. I was so pleased when I got 9a and 10a straight away but then I ended up putting in words that seemed to fit with the wordplay, with no idea why they were right. Once it was explained, it became quite a satisfying solve

Thanks Ian, when written in full rather than just the initials it's much more well known (although not in Chambers!)

chrise - I have to defend Boatman, as I thought it a brilliant crossword, and cracking it gave me a real sense of achievement (even though I still have reservations about the fairness of not including a special instruction). Horses for courses of course, but I’m not altogether comfortable with such critical comments, especially when they refer to the particular setter’s work in general. Boatman clearly put a great deal of work into this crossword, and I for one (and I think brendan and geeker for two more) greatly appreciated it.

Did I mention I’m quoted in Boatman’s new book? Twice actually 😉

Oh wow, nice one Jono, do we have to buy the book to see your quotes or could you tell us them:-)

Hehe, Brendan, it was nothing very erudite. You may recall a puzzle on the theme of prime numbers. I pointed out that if Hugh had given Boatman the Friday slot rather than the Wednesday that week then the Guardian puzzle number would itself have been a prime number. This observation made it into the book!

Well, I'm impressed, and a little jealous to be honest... which says a lot about me 🤔