Saga

[Daij]

7a Sinister order given by spy boss (6)
???i??
8a Limited range of short breadcast just uncovered (6)
??D?U?
10a Ralph performed hit (8)
????C?E?
3d Surround half of diplomas with press (7)
?????O?
13a Stone in front of second grave (5)
?T?i?
17d Bears snatch old sausage sandwiches (5)
?O?D?

Thanks in advance

[cashier]

8 Medium?

[cashier]

13 Staid

[cashier]

7 Malign

[cashier]

10 Impacted?

[Toorak]

17 holds - in clue

[Daij]

3D Andiron?

[bobbinwales]

imp acted looks good if ralph is the name of an imp.... maybe wreck it ralph??

[bobbinwales]

Ralph

ralf, n. (slang) the imp of mischief in a printing-house: a raven.

[Daij]

Does ANDIRON look good for clue 3D?

Couple more,
1d Apparatus that measures cored fruit (4)
??A?
9a Cut bar with caution (4)
???D

[Daij]

Good research bobbinwales

[bobbinwales]

Thanks Daij. How does Andiron work for you ? I can see half of letters in diploma in letters of AnDIrOn but thats all

[Daij]

Bobbinwales - I have a template of
?N?i?O? , I can only see Andiron firing that grid. Also 'press' in the clue - iron. A bit tenuous but it's the best I've got

[Daij]

Should be fitting not firing

[bobbinwales]

andiron is probaly right then if thats your pattern ... could be a fire surround

[Daij]

Cheers - Any thoughts on the 'extras'?

[cashier]

3 Environ fits the pattern but can't parse it, nor andiron. Have you got 1 across?

[Daij]

Do you mean 1 down?

[cashier]

No I meant 1 across. I thought if you had that we would have the start for 1 down.

[Captain2]

3d Is it definitely 'diplomas' or could it be 'diplomats'?

Diplomats = ENVOYS , half of = ENV + IRON = Press.

Just a suggestion.

[bobbinwales]

environs would be good as half of ENVoys if clue says diplomaTs