The Guardian - Cryptic crossword No 23,966 - Jan 5 2007

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Clues Answers
Attacker in silver-grey nearly getting Ross to retreat AGGRESSOR
Aunt Sally falling about with family LAUGHINGSTOCK
Claim member is more than half way through a drink ALLEGE
Gather for a cigarette ROLLUP
Gloomy letter, only half read, seen as a challenge GAUNTLET
Grand party-giver showing spirit GHOST
Introduce referee, having to stride around PREFACE
Island where angry ruler receives injury MADAGASCAR
It takes work, under a month, to find a sea creature OCTOPUS
King catches the ball LEATHER
Nobleman says: 'Hello! Happy to turn up with a ring' HIDALGO
Novelist sees five hundred join a crowd DRABBLE
Now that could be a thingummybob! WHATNOT
Operations at hospital for limps HOPS
Pains will penetrate rigid trunk SEACHEST
Clues Answers
Possesses raised lacework with burns on BEWITCHES
Remain standing up in time for an argument DEBATE
Roy sets about getting an aphrodisiac OYSTERS
Suit and shirt torn in revolution COURTSHIP
The advantage of retired gentlemen EDGE
The meal is half gone? What's the idea? THEME
This official must take us with her USHER
Thought highly of, but always dipping into wine REVERED
To chant about glory is believing SWALLOWING
Today's clothing, which may help delivery people ADDRESS
Trumpets for five of mother's sisters VAUNTS
Unenthusiastic uncle gets involved with tart RELUCTANT
Upset, needing second capsule SPILL
Waits for ships carrying goods initially LINEERS