This crossword No. 2985 clues and answers were published on Sun 14 Dec 2003 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Everyman Crossword No. 2985 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – First aid received by blokes : MAIDEN
4-across – Wound inhibiting head of campaign abroad demonstrating armoured vehicle : SCOUTCAR
10-across – Fastener from piece of equipment, sort mostly carried by tennis star : SAFETYPIN
11-across – Former church leader’s beginning to surpass all others : EXCEL
12-across – Vessel damaged pier stanchion : CONTAINERSHIP
14-across – Excellent bet backing on run out : ROYAL
16-across – Join the most important couple and take a stimulating drink : SPLICETHE
17-across – See 16 : MAINBRACE
19-across – I’m driven through illuminated border : LIMIT
21-across – Sharpest drive upset spinner in the field, one with long legs? : HARVESTSPIDER
24-across – World Cup hero injured netting second : HURST
25-across – Lack of education in church is stifling good girl : IGNORANCE
26-across – Drop out being shy? Not entirely : WITHDRAW
27-across – Leave SW river holding record : DEPART
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Opera CD : MUSICDRAMA
2-down – Childhood home, elaborately and ornately decorated : INFANCY
3-down – Additional bit-part player : EXTRA
5-down – Chicanery involving revised rental for system installed in the home? : CENTRALHEATING
6-down – Unscrupulous lunatic? He changed : UNETHICAL
7-down – A site of many battles seen from pilot’s place? : COCKPIT
8-down – Pass turn : ROLL
9-down – Developing Hispanic areas covering miles in Chile, Peru etc. : SPANISHAMERICA
13-down – Live over a period of time under canvas? That shows improvement : BETTERMENT
15-down – One reprimanded after 50 let loose : LIBERATED
18-down – Be left at home with that girl, Italian : INHERIT
20-down – Crazy about North American pop star : MADONNA
22-down – Quietly press for pogrom : PURGE
23-down – Portray pig eating bit of hay : SHOW
This crossword has in total 28 where 14 are across and 14 are down.