Sunday Times Cryptic Crossword 4280?

Question

I'm not doing well this week!

17a 'Cavities utilised in a ship' (7) - - - - s - - -

21a 'Yes, somehow about to call for a fluid extractor' (7)

s - - - n - -

Right I just got that - syringe.

14d 'In particular pieces, played by associate' (10)

- - - - - - - L - -

Answer 1

17  sinuses  (in use = utilised)

14  especially (pieces anagram + ally)

So why is bondsman "ernie"?

Thanks, Picador.  You've ernied my praise.

Answer 2

17a - sinuses

21a syringe

14d especially

I finished it yesterday evening!

Answer 3

Ernie is the name of a special savings bond that pays no interest but pays lottery-type prizes to the holders instead.