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The trick with a successful Right and Left clue is brevity and marrying the two clues together as seamlessly as possible. The pair of words certainly lent themselves to this, but still I thought the standard was pretty high.
Congratulations to Simon Griew who came out on top! That brevity was there along with a 'seamless' join, combining the two parts into a convincing surface. That's Simon's 4th podium of the year.
Second spot went to Peter Moore Fuller, whose clue had similar attributes to the winner so unsurprisingly was only just behind with a totally different surface!
Third place went to Luciano Ward. I particularly liked the clever double usage of 'fight(s)'. That's also Luciano's fourth podium of the year.
Close in fourth was Satyen following up last month's 3rd. Same usage of 'fights' and another model of brevity.
Finally a tie for fifth. Nathan Townsend grabbed his 3rd podium of the year, whilst Charlie Oakley bagged a 6th! – and that's 3 in a row now, so well done Charlie!
 
ANNUAL COMPETITION
Luciano's 3rd place meant he just pipped Charlie Oakley and Philip Sant by just a single point! Hearty congratulations to Luciano who last topped the Annual List in 2015. Simon Griew made a valiant attempt by winning the December competition and finished 4th, John Hood took 5th.
Good luck to all for 2024!
 
1 Luciano Ward 18
2 Charlie Oakley 17
2 Philip Sant 17
4 Simon Griew 16
5 John Hood 14.5

Voting Information

Voting is open until Midnight UK time on Wednesday 24th January.
 
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

A later start this month so as to coincide with the festive period and as usual this will be a "special" competition. Your task over the Christmas season is to compose a RIGHT & LEFT clue for the two words SPARROW and TITANIC.

A RIGHT & LEFT clue comprises of two separate normal clues that run together to form one “double” clue, with no overlapping of the two clues and no redundant words in-between. Ideally the “join” between the two clues should be as seamless as possible. The two words can be clued in either order – i.e. SPARROW/TITANIC or TITANIC/SPARROW – the choice is yours.

Take a look at this example of a Right and Left clue from an old Ximenes competition winner. Note how the “join” is well disguised and the two clues combine to create a good overall surface reading:

ABRUPT/TISANE
Curt treatment of brat up in court is a necessary remedial measure
 
[ABRUPT:anag. “brat up” – TISANE hidden]