Cryptic crossword clue
Following tip, wins match leaving men on board 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word MESSMATES

M
E
S
S
M
A
T
E
S

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "men on board" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case men on board = messmates.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does MESSMATES mean?

MESSMATES noun
  1. An associate with whom one shares a mess (eating place) on a ship
  2. Any of various eucalypts with rough bark, specifically Eucalyptus obliqua.

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