Crossword Genius

Give group task periodically and make tracks (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ruts

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'make tracks' is the definition.
'ruts' can be an answer for 'tracks' (rut can mean a track). I'm not certain of the 'make' bit.

'give group task periodically' is the wordplay.
'give group' becomes 'ru' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'periodically' indicates alternate letters (letters must be selected 'every so often').
The alternate letters of 'task' are 'ts'.
'ru'+'ts'='RUTS'

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ruts that I've seen before include "gets ready for new partner" , "Grooves in the ground" , "Deep furrows" , "Furrows not to get stuck in" , "Deep tracks in path" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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