Results Information   See results

Apologies for the delay in publishing the results this month, but here we go…
 
…top spot goes to Steve Hicks – his first podium for nearly a year and second ever win. A straightforward anagram which produced an excellent surface reading – well done Steve!
 
Phil Stephenson bags a second podium of this year with a neat comp. anag. and a clever reference to the appropriate play of The Bard.
 
John Appleton continues his fine run this year – second top 5 finish in a row and 4 in total – another clue with simple enough wordplay but the surface deflected from the meaning of MERCHANT.
 
In 4th place we welcome a new name to the honours – Simon Blow – congrats and welcome! Some rather nifty wordplay, a surface bringing to mind that well-known tongue twister and I do like it when a definition reverses the gender bias!
 
Finally, in 5th, another newcomer to the podium after a number of months trying…and the name could not be more appropriate! Welcome to Jessica as well, another clue with clever wordplay elements.
 
Thanks to all and the following month's challenge is already drawing to a close…see you soon!

Voting Information

Voting is open until Midnight UK time on Tuesday 16th August.
 
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

Your challenge for July is a STANDARD CRYPTIC clue to MERCHANT (8) by the closing date of MIDNIGHT BST SUNDAY 31st JULY.

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!