ACROSS 8 Find a barrier to the best coal being dug up (8) 9 Exasperation over line taken by a fisherman (6) 10 Settle on race for the whole community (6) 11 As usual, standard was only so-so (8) 12 Will a singer have to get through a recital tonight? (4) 13 Tell a lie about being minted, so was dismissed (10) 15 Investigate stableboy over outrageous behaviour (7) 17 Heard that having had a downpour it could be controlled (7) 20 Promise to join battle of the sexes (10) 22 Starting new over under spin is common sense (4) 24 Granted, I managed to get a degree (8) 26 Fellow tried to win girl back, but he didn’t succeed (6) 27 Exploits incidents at regular times (6) 28 May need a refit after using the wrong tug (8) DOWN 1 Sailors had to relax, but could let themselves down (6) 2 Posted off the north-west, so had to resign (4,4) 3 Advance further with force, at the start of 18 down (10) 4 Put down second one in terminal (7) 5 About to get the right day for the programme (4) 6 Put a little information, at short notice, back on the timetable (6) 7 Loosen up, and check extension to a stay of execution (8) 14 I refused to accept healthy return would be recognised (10) 16 Manage to arrange cover in little time (8) 18 Increase speed before 20 across in a Western confrontation (8) 19 Draw attention to quote, in recognition (7) 21 Was passionate about painting over study (6) 23 Finished up quite exhausted (4,2) 25 Would girl get rid of one in the Chelsea team, otherwise? (4)