The Telegraph – Cryptic – Jun 26 2018

Clues	Answers
Awkward writer reflected in it	INEPT
Be uncomfortably hot right in front of kiln	ROAST
Chicken in yard man decapitated	YELLOW
Contest fewer in number, being without equal	MATCHLESS
Creature in a stream grabbing frantic duck	ARMADILLO
Crime writer tells about that woman topping husband	SAYERS
Crossing river, reached cave	GROTTO
Cutting remarks, primarily in bar	EXCERPT
Duck swimming over shell	SHOVELLER
Errand boy committing serious crime in minister’s house	PARSONAGE
Female and I restore hearth	FIREPLACE
Gossip present, reportedly with chance to speak	HEARSAY
Ice, mostly, round Irish lake	RESERVOIR
If in no end of doubt before close of play, declare!	NOTIFY
Jobs — first in there enquires	TASKS
Large vehicle parking by Irish lake	PLOUGH

Clues	Answers
Nigel, clumsy chap, careless	NEGLIGENT
Not awake when cover pulled up	ASLEEP
One who keeps records about substance almost like gold dust	REGISTRAR
Opening, working with group	ONSET
Painter’s work that’s rarely seen?	UNDERCOAT
Phone up about last of gladioli in bloom	LILAC
Put down good name	CREDIT
Rider at races, delayed	TARRIED
Slow on the uptake, but so excited by note, finally	OBTUSE
Stout, a novelist	HARDY
Therefore, top must be reliable	SOLID
Trendy little drink I had in flat	INSIPID
Tries to divide existing practice	REHEARSAL
Type of energy supply also run	SOLAR
Volley from Slav drifting over	SALVO
World Cup hero injured netting second	HURST