Guardian Prize Crossword 27286 Saturday August 26Th 2017

[clog2]

I am not asking a specific question, but more a general observation. I feel that there are some inconsistencies between the clues and the grid. For example there are 4 nine letter answers in the grid, but as far as I can see only 3 nine letter lights, There are 2 12 letter answers, which can fit in the grid, the position of one of which is defined by the other clue being 6 letters long ( and there is only one 12, 6 starting with the same letter).
Therefore the other one is defined too, but then again the answer ( Clytemnestra) does not fit in the grid, given that the 2 N answers have only one space to fit, and the 3, 4 answer is new moon, which makes the penultimate letter of the 12 letter answer an e, whilst I think it should be an r.

Hope someone understands my confusion, it is difficult to explain. Hope someone can put me out of my misery.

usually I love these type of puzzles, nut this one clearly has me stumped.
Many thanks for even trying to understand what I am saying!

[pomona]

The B clues should be 7,9 not 8,8

[pomona]

The Q 12 letter answer ends in TL

[clog2]

Thanks, that can get me thinking alongs new paths, as then where I thought the N had to be could now be the B.

[55cards]

This is EXACTLY the problem we have encountered!! So pleased to find this question and answer online. We feel that we have a way forward now... :)

[Tilly2]

I have given up. It's beyond my capabilities!

[clog2]

I am full of admiration for Pomona.It is a swine of a puzzle, even without major bloomers like that( giving wrong info on number of letters).
Still a few queries, maybe I will solve them in my dreams

[Toorak]

She also provides a solution...

[clog2]

??

[Mamyalynne]

Pomona's user name - look at 'P' clues.

[Toorak]

Thank you mamya - I was probly being too obscure

[Mamyalynne]

Depends I suppose, not a problem.

[Toorak]

Probably (the predictive text on this iPad ids driving me nuts)

[RogerBear]

Thanks, Pomona; the correction on the BS helps—but how did you know? Has Grauniad published an update?

As for the hint about the P themed clue, I assume this would be the 6-letter one (I already know the 8-letter answer, I think). But for the life of me I can't see how it is "little dog close to center stage"!

[iminoz]

POMONA
POM(eranian) + ON, close to, + (st)A(ge)

[RogerBear]

Duh! I worked it out on my dog walk (terrier, not Pom) immediately after I had posted the question! And of course Pomona spotted the enumeration error if she got the two B answers and is sure of them.

Thanks anyway to Pomona and iminoz. I think I can fill in at least half the grid now (or rather tomorrow). RB.

[mirandamoon]

I had exactly the same problem as you - with exactly the same conclusion - and was very reassured (frustrated?) when a friend told me about the misprint. I had only looked at the paper copy, needless to say!