Weekend Recap: Wigan’s Grand Final joy and Lincoln’s title charge

The dust has settled on a thrilling weekend of sport, from Rugby League’s showpiece to NFL’s first Wembley showdown of 2018.

Following the action, we take a look back at the big talking points, including all that – and a flurry of football action on these shores and in the UEFA Nations League…

Wigan give Wane the ideal send-off

Shaun Wane called time on seven seasons as boss of his hometown club Wigan Warriors in perfect fashion, overseeing a Grand Final defeat of Warrington Wolves.

The fixture had more than a hint of déjà-vu about it. This was the third grand final since 2013 where Wigan had seen off the Wire. This one produced a tense 12-4 victory, while 2016’s clash was even tighter at 12-6.

Dom Manfredi was the Warriors’ hero, picking up both tries. As for Wane, he bows out with a haul of three Grand Final triumphs and a Challenge Cup crown as Warriors boss.

And with it, the 54-year-old waves goodbye to the club he joined as a player way back in 1982. So too does fullback Sam Tomkins, who is off to Catalan Dragons.

Joy of Six for lethal Lincoln

Lincoln City tore up the post-war history books on Saturday, netting six times away from home in the Football League for the first time since 1932.

Danny Cowley’s men chalked up a 6-2 victory at Vale Park, with set-pieces the secret behind the powerful Imps’ victory. Four of the visitors’ six goals came from corners, while a route-one first-half goal began with a throw-in.

That result leaves the Imps four points clear at the top of League Two, and top of the form table (with 12 points from the last five games). They’re 11/10 to win the title, and just 1/4 for promotion.

Seahawks do the business at Wembley

London’s annual dose of NFL action kicked off on Sunday, as Pete Carroll’s Seattle Seahawks produced a ruthless 27-3 victory over Oakland Raiders.

Things are going from bad to worse for the Raiders, following new boss’ Jon Gruden’s barmy decision to trade defensive star Khalil Mack in the off-season.

As for the Seahawks, their defence looked extremely comfortable – as they conceded their fewest points in a game since a December 2016 defeat of Los Angeles Rams.

That win over Oakland has bumped Seattle’s record up to 3-3, but they’re still a hefty 80/1 for Super Bowl glory this season.

Gibraltar stun Armenia to make history

International football brought little joy for the Home Nations over the weekend, with England’s bore-draw in Croatia the best any of them fared. But for fans of Gibraltar, Saturday night was one of history-making joy.

The tiny principality team chalked up their first ever competitive victory, pulling off a shock 1-0 Nations League win in Armenia. Experienced winger Joseph Chipolina scored his first goal for the side from the penalty spot, to secure victory.

Next up for Gib is a home Nations League clash with Liechtenstein tomorrow night. Can they make it back-to-back wins? That’s a 21/10 shot.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.