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The Scottish side kicked off their European campaign in ideal fashion with a crucial four-try win on the road against Sale.

With the elements at their backs, Sale began strongly and raced to a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow fought back well with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Additional second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. A late try for Sale promised a nervous finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a significant opening victory.

Warriors Take Control After Interval

The match started with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart angle to take an offload and touch down, making the home side's advantage.

Facing difficult conditions, Glasgow used their forward power to get back into the game. A powerful driving maul was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the second half. A poor box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the bonus point when McDowall powered past a defender to score his 100th appearance for the team. This try capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Marius Louw used neat skills to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

One last chance arose for them from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also features the English side and South African outfit the Sharks.

Line-ups

Sale Sharks: Reed; O'Flaherty, Ma'asi-White, Louw, Wills; Du Preez, Quirke; McIntyre, Jibulu, John, Burrow, Bamber, Vermeulen, Van Rhyn, T Curry.
Replacements: Caine, Onasanya, Harper, Andrews, B Curry, Warr, Davies, Wehr.

Glasgow Warriors: McKay; Steyn, McDowall, Tuipulotu, Smith; Hastings, Horne; McBeth, Hiddleston, Z Fagerson, Williamson, Cummings, M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.
Replacements: Stephen, Sutherland, Talakai, Samuel, Brown, Miller, Dobie, Lancaster.

Officials

Referee: Pierre Brousset (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).