No 2551, Sunday, 20 Sep 09

ACROSS

1 - Determined, a team's reserve (3,5) - {SET} {A}{SIDE}
5 - Dirty place to eat at college (4,2) - {MESS} {UP}
9 - A strage girl in plant (4,4) - {A}{RUM} {LILY}
10 - Country, oil state? (6) - GREECE(~grease)
11 - Clubs do to get entrance fee (5,6) - COVER CHARGE [CD]
15 - Spoil artist in lodgings for a carnival (5,4) - {MAR}{DI G{RA}S}
16 - Home leased in bay (5) - {IN}{LET}
17 - Check about introduction of some hashish, say (5) - RE{S}IN
18 - Histrionic behaviour in reportedly ripe play (9) - (~mellow){MELO}{DRAMA}
19 - Land with an enormous population? (11) - BROBDINGNAG [E] Result of a Google search
23 - Escort round old flat (6) - B{O}RING
24 - Not to mention rent, a large one (3,5) - {LET} {A}{L}{ONE}
25 - Have great respect for noble Italian family backing me (6) - ESTE{EM<-} )
26 - Stabbing pains in chest? Sit tight (8) - {STITCHES*}

DOWN

1 - Celebrity is shocked? Not half! (4) - STAR Anno pending
2 - Solicitor heading for trial - not here (4) - {T}OUT
3 - Choice made by son upon return? (9) - {S}ELECTION
4 - Carrier called up about uniform (11) - DE{LIVERY}MAN <- )
6 - Hare shot across middle of hunting ground (5) - EAR{T}H<- )
7 - Avoid bullock, easy to see (5,5) - {STEER} {CLEAR}
8 - Current party needs reforming (7-3) - PRESENT-DAY*
12 - Pretend Len's awfully brilliant (11) - RESPLENDENT*
13 - Rogue having the skill to conceal rifle is unlikely (10) - {IMP}{ROB}{ABLE}
14 - Nobleman could show skill fencing actors, I suspect (10) - AR{I}{STOCRA*}T
16 - Cutting remark in pub - social worker is affronted (9) - {IN{DIG}N}{ANT}
20 - Poet died at the stake? (5) - {D}{ANTE}
21 - Smart petty officer's height (4) - {POS}{H}
22 - Fewer in Naples smoke (4) - LESS [T]

GRID