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The Scottish side began their European campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, Sale started strongly and built a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors fought back admirably with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Further second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for the hosts set up a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to claim a major opening win.

Warriors Take Control Following Interval

Play started with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. An early injury to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good support line to take an offload and touch down, extending Sale's advantage.

Against difficult conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

Glasgow took the lead for the first time soon after the second half. A misjudged box-kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his century for the team. This try completed a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw used neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes left.

One last opportunity came for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

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

Match Officials

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