This crossword No. 22879 clues and answers were published on Thu 10 Jul 2003 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Cryptic Crossword No. 22879 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
8-across – 4’s wrong sound with head tucked away : TORTOISE
9-across – 4 takes some of its letters and its number back : VIPER
10-across – Useless film where group of rugby players run away : SCUM
11-across – 4 writhing astern in trail of boat : WATERSNAKE
12-across – Might those seeking this have a problem accommodating Daily Mail’s conclusions, ultimately? : ASYLUM
14-across – Satirical pieces producing whack on nose sent back : LAMPOONS
15-across – Horny beast imagined finding garment ripped, models having fled : UNICORN
17-across – Divorce the result of smack during meal, losing head : UNHITCH
20-across – Disheartened male or female going round shops and post office, appearing rash? : SMALLPOX
22-across – Rich continental couple securing central England for Spain : DELUXE
23-across – One dedicated to retaining the pound argued about pound being quaint : OLDEWORLDE
24-across – Creature from 1-0 and 2-0? : NEWT
25-across – 4 means business with spoilt child, finally gone : COBRA
26-across – 4 finds one fish in catch hauled over : TERRAPIN
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – 4’s shoe : MOCCASIN
2-down – Time to manoeuvre to gain entry : ITEM
3-down – Personal cover generous? Not right, so brave to be under it? : WIGWAM
4-down – Penny goes in to renovate bathroom scales on one : REPTILE
5-down – Morality play for himself? : EVERYMAN
6-down – Failing prison also for godparents : SPONSORIAL
7-down – Defeated by gun just loaded : BROKEN
13-down – Close game which is different or called close : LOCALDERBY
16-down – Criticism for and against in one side of Madrid : REPROVAL
18-down – Neighbour to stroke cow is an eccentric accepting kiss : COXSWAIN
19-down – Swimmer stuffing non-starter – much left! : AXOLOTL
21-down – 4 to skulk around lake : MOLOCH
22-down – Boring, boring Arsenal’s centre behind front two : DREARY
24-down – Straight into 9, a 3 : NEAT
This crossword has in total 28 where 14 are across and 14 are down.