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Glasgow Warriors began their European campaign in ideal fashion with a valuable four-try away victory against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts started 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, Glasgow fought back admirably with a pair of scores before the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Additional after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts promised a nervous finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a significant opening win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Interval

The match started with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. An early knock to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to collect an pass and score, making the home side's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, the Warriors used their forward power to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at the interval.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first occasion early in the restart. A poor kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall ran through a defender to score his 100th appearance for the team. That score completed a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Louw used good footwork to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

One last chance arose for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also includes the English side and Durban-based 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.

Match Officials

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