Introduction
This puzzle appeared less difficult when viewed in the rear view mirror than it did when I initially approached it. Perhaps that is the mark of a good puzzle - the clues are obscure until you decipher them, at which point all becomes clear.
Today's Glossary
Some possibly unfamiliar abbreviations, people, places, words and expressions used in today's puzzle
bowl2 - noun 4 (often bowl someone out) cricket to put (the batsman) out by hitting the wicket with the ball
Desperate Dan - a wild west character in the British comic The Dandy
form - noun 6
maiden (abbreviation M) - noun 3 (also maiden over) Cricket an over in which no runs are scored
scullion - [Collins English Dictionary] noun 1. a mean or despicable person
smack3 - [Collins English Dictionary] noun 1. a sailing vessel, usually sloop-rigged, used in coasting and fishing along the British coast
River Tay - the longest river in Scotland
Today's Links
Gazza's review of today's puzzle may be found at Big Dave's Crossword Blog [DT 26132].
Commentary on Today's Puzzle
8a A learner next to where he should be is relaxed (8)
Not that there is necessarily anything wrong in doing so, but I think the wordplay here may use the word "learner" in two different contexts. In the first, "learner" is used in the sense of "learner driver" (what I would call a "beginner driver") and is replaced by L (from the symbol that British learner drivers must attach to their vehicles). In the second sense, "learner" seems to be used to mean a "school student" who should be "in form" (in class). If one were to carry a consistent theme through the clue, one might expect the "learner" to be "behind the wheel" or "in the driver's seat".
Signing off for today - Falcon
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