The Times - Cryptic - This puzzle was The Times Crossword Championship 2012 - 3rd Qualifying puzzle - May 16, 2012

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Clues Answers
"I lead" in Russian IVAN
Believe councillor holds legal position CONSIDER
Better make certain one gets doctor round IMPROVED
Bird one may find in wood KNOT
Caesar's decree found in the yard, for one IMPERIALMEASURE
Churchman that, moving, must abandon his rank BISHOP
Clothes blue? That's hardly novel SHORTSTORY
Clubs throw minors out, looking embarrassed CRIMSON
Criminal is sick — to no purpose? VILLAIN
Encourage to take new heart, one soldier may wear on sleeve CHEVRON
End of speech expanded — it's a gas HYDROGEN
Excuse pressure to send message again PRETEXT
Feature in boy's return home at last NOSE
Finally drink, say, beer KEG
Gave in — abandoned resistance to sour temper VINEGAR
Clues Answers
Getting dated, old boy only put on perfume OBSOLESCENT
Girl toils to play as member of orchestra VIOLIST
In popular language, protest against credit being short DEMOTIC
In second court case, receiving new penalty SANCTION
Just in time, retreated a little MERE
Lift up old key EXALT
Particular sum held in francs, top for yield FADDY
Performances cancelled? Just as well these stayed away NOSHOWS
Pinch attractive girl, do we see? NIP
Pole has to look after a sister senior to him STAFFNURSE
Put up easy catch: when you've gone, he comes in HOUSESITTER
Sappers returned to powder keg once — off to a flyer GREENWOODPECKER
Seize public land, we hear, and animals COMMANDEER
Share admitted by dreadful liar making no sense IRRATIONAL
Whisk round eggs, spread over toast unevenly ROTATE