Radio Times 37

[Sandy-Wroe]

3d Before giving directions, almost spur horses(7)
- i - L - e -
Is 16a Verdant?
Composer I left by river with lush growth(7)
Verd (i) ant

[Midnighter]

16 Across is Verdure.

Verd(i) + (River) Ure

[Midnighter]

I can add an extra letter to 3d....

Fi?l?e?

It's the only clue I'm stuck on. Not sure whether it's Fielded?

[Sandy-Wroe]

Thank you, Midnighter. I couldn't see what ant had to do with river.

[filbertfox11]

I think the answer to 3D is FILLIES (horses).
This comes from almost a spur - FILLI (P) and the directions (E)ast and (S)outh. According to Chambers a fillip is a stimulus or a boost (i.e. spur).

[filbertfox11]

1'm not sure about VERD(ANT & VERD(URE) There is a river Ure but there is also a river Ant (on the Norfolk Broads). The answer to 5D would make it clear but I haven't as yet solved the clue. 5D Model fighting to make game show (5,4). I have ?O??? / W???

[Midnighter]

I've got Robot Wars for 5D if that's any help.

[filbertfox11]

Thanks Midnighter for "Robot Wars". This would make "verdure" correct for 16A.

[Midnighter]

Thanks, filbertfox11. It looks like Fillies is right for 3D.