Crossword Genius

First-class score against spinner (3-5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

top-notch

'first-class' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'score against spinner' is the wordplay.
'score' becomes 'notch' (I've seen this before).
'against' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'spinner' becomes 'top' (a spinning top).
'notch' put after 'top' is 'TOP-NOTCH'.

(Other definitions for top-notch that I've seen before include "Superb" , "Wonderful" , "Grade 1" , "First-rate" , "Excellent (informal)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph and The Times.
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