17a, easing off hard work, county having secured victory (7,4). I have
????ing down...thought it was slowing down but that doesn't fit 7 & 8 down. Help please....
35a, one little boy with paper cone (3,5) I am guessing ice cream because it fits but I just can't see how that relates to the clue. Not getting on v well with 1089.
45a, guess when piping presumably protected from floods crosses road finally (1,4,2,3,4) no idea! Guessing something like " a shot in the dark" ... Enlighten me please, someone!...
4d, one may have lasting attractions(9,6). top left corner has me stumped with this one! 1a, one creature to run away past a smaller one (9) all I have is A to start!