Cryptic food and drink

Dear Editor,

I am concerned about the increasing number of crossword clues involving the cooking and/or eating of ducks. This abominable practice should cease forthwith.

Yours sincerely,
Duck Holiday

Meanwhile, a highly topical clue:

Root's hundred utterly brilliant, absolutely regal batting - for starters, Geoffrey's mother uses this! (7)
 
Well, I know nothing about cricket - but I can only think the answer is rhubarb. But if it is, I'm not entirely sure why. The answer is a reference to Boycott's mother (or grandmother) I discovered. 'Rh' could be 'absolutely regal. But I can't see where the rest of the word comes from.

Second thoughts which occur to me whilst writing this (!): I suddenly saw it. For starters refers to the initial letters of preceding words! R H U B A R B.
Nice one.
 
Back
Top Bottom