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I don't think we've seen Paul set the Prize for quite a while, so it was a pleasant surprise to have him set this one.

There is a partial theme (or maybe a bigger one, I'm notoriously bad at spotting these things). Actually, the more I look at it the less think it even constitutes a theme at all, partial or otherwise.

In terms of difficulty I'd say I found it quite hard in places, bu then I nearly always do. In fact, there are still a few I haven't fully parsed... or at all!

COD: I quite liked 1a, so I'll pick that:-)

Thanks to Paul for a challenging but enjoyable puzzle that gives us a chance to go down memory lane.

Let us know how you got on. Are you a fan of the theme?

Useless information - the host lives about 5 minutes down the road from me:-)

The two I haven't fully parsed are the 2nd and 3rd words from

24a,9a,19d where I dont see how they come from "number dodge tax" and...

22a, which I was able to get from "raider, leader after Roman figure", so I'm confused as to what part "muscly pack" plays in the clue?

Okay, saw 24,9,19 immediately after posting, that just leaves 22a 'muscly pack'... hmmm

Actually, after another read through, I've realised I'm not 100% sure I've totally understood the wordplay in 15,16, even though I am certain of the answer.

22a - "muscly pack".... I get it now:-)

Brendan, I found this super difficult and only just finished. Some good clues, and I usually like Paul's puzzles, but got a little annoyed by this one. Maybe frustration, as I feared DNF until the very end.

FOI 4, LOI 22.
I was just about to chime in on the "muscly pack".
I also don't see parsing of 15, 16. But it might be an "across the pond" thing.

COD 1a. Also enjoyed 2, 3, 12 and 20.

Brendan, 15, 16a. is a 24,9 + (e)nd. (Difficult to just give a hint for the last bit)
Care to share re "muscly pack"?

I now see parsing of 15, 16.
Extremely obscure IMO. Thematic, I only saw it with the aid of Wikipedia. It is rather clever and would deserve COD consideration if not for its obscurity.

In my defence, I have no knowledge whatsoever of the theme. 🤣

"Muscly pack" pertains to US grid football IMO. Easier for US solvers.

Hi Geeker,

15, 16 - I do now have the parsing for this:-

14,9 is 2,2,2 followed by 2 letter "end not beginning".

I have a feeling those across the pond, like your good self, will be somewhat mystified by the 24,19,9 reference:-)