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February's challenge resulted in a very close run competition…
 
…congratulations go to John Appleton, who came out top by a mere point and a half and follows up his second place last month – a very strong start to the year! John managed to find a simple anagram – that no-one else offered – but it worked so aptly with the definition to provide a convincing surface.
 
Just behind in second place was Phil Stephenson, first podium since last year, with a very neat &lit – well done Phil.
 
Not too far back in third spot was Nathan Townshend with another convincing surface in his clue.
 
Steve Randall returns to form clinching fourth place with the best of the clues that utilised "The Good Life", bringing back memories to those of us of a certain age!
 
Welcome to Sanket Anurag Shrivastava, a new name taking the final podium spot. Sanket's clue exploited the Covid potential and cleverly also included delta (variant). I didn't spot the Covid element when choosing the clue phrase, but I was surprised it didn't appear more than it did – I suppose it was hard to link it to the definition – it has hardly been DOLCE VITA for the last two years or so!
 
Thanks to everyone as always – good luck for March!

Voting Information

Voting is open until Midnight UK time on Wednesday 16th March.
 
Please award FIVE points maximum to the clue you judge best: FOUR points for second, THREE for third, TWO for fourth, down to ONE point for fifth; but otherwise you may distribute your votes as you see fit including ½ marks for split voting – as long as you award no more than 15 points IN TOTAL and no more than 5 points to any one clue…
 
…and of course you may NOT VOTE for your own clue!
 
COMMENTS:
 
Your comments in general and on individual clues, however much or little you write, are always most welcome! Please remember that if any particular clue or clues do not find favour with you, it is more helpful to offer constructive criticism – many of our members are keen to learn and hone their clue writing skills through our competition – feedback may be useful for their future efforts!

Entry Information

After our fantastic start to the year, with 75 entries for January, your challenge for FEBRUARY is a STANDARD CRYPTIC clue to DOLCE VITA (5,4) by the closing date of MIDNIGHT GMT FRIDAY 25th FEBRUARY.
 
Remember that whilst you are composing (and pondering) your clue effort, the entry interface allows you to "Save but don't submit". But even if you "Submit this clue" you are still able to amend – or even retract – your entry right up until the end.

BUT DON'T FORGET TO CLICK THE "SUBMIT THIS CLUE" BUTTON BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE!