Crossword Genius

Unhandicapped player runs to intercept second dismissal (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scratch

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'unhandicapped player' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'runs to intercept second dismissal' is the wordplay.
'runs' becomes 'r' (cricket abbreviation).
'to intercept' is an insertion indicator.
'second' becomes 's' (common abbreviation).
'dismissal' becomes 'catch' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
's'+'catch'='scatch'
'r' going within 'scatch' is 'SCRATCH'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for scratch that I've seen before include "Score with a sharp point" , "Slight wound - withdraw from contest" , "Back out of race" , "Abraded skin areas" , "cancel > test > money" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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