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Glasgow Warriors began their European campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale began the brighter and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors fought back well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts promised a tense finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major opening victory.

Glasgow Take Control Following Half-Time

The match began with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart angle to take an pass and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Against challenging weather, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong driving maul was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

Glasgow took the lead for the first occasion early in the restart. A misjudged kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the driving seat, they clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to score his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Louw showed neat skills to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

One last chance arose for them from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also includes the English side and South African outfit the Hollywoodbets Sharks.

Teams

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 (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).