| GODFATHER | After start of game ref had to change sponsor (9) |
| GRAEME | Comedian and broadcaster finally recalling game ref nearly abandoned at Forest (6,6) |
| FATHERSDAY | Ref had stay arranged for celebration |
| SERENGETI | It's over after start of game in tranquil plain |
| HOTHEADED | He'd had to change, to hide last of the rash |
| MEDITATED | Thought friend had to change, on the day (9) |
| DAIQUIRIS | Girl had to change a quid before getting the drinks (9) |
| CHALLENGE | Pound the French had to change without dispute (9) |
| WHITELEAD | Paint ingredient needed at start of game of chess (5,4) |
| GOVERNESS | Start of game finished head teacher! (9) |
| THEMIKADO | Mike had to change for comic opera set in Japan (3,6) |
| GROUNDERS | Balls hit low, note, at start of game |
| GREASEPAINT | Players smear this on to relieve soreness coming in right after start of game |
| KOP | Football stand quiet after start of game |
| GARAGE | Car storage causes rage after start of game (6) |
| FLUSH | A rapid flight, spring up or start of game birds; a suffusion of crimson colour in the cheeks; a sudden flow of water; a fresh growth of foliage, flowers or fruit; or, a feeling of excitement (5) |
| BRIDEGROOM | Sweeper about to control start of game will be man of the match |
| RUGBY | Difficulty surrounding start of game leading to variable game |
| AHEARTOFGOLD | Great fool had to change to show kindness |
| ANGEL | Dramatic sponsor, in fact, had to change libretto ... (5) |
