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The Scottish side began their European journey in ideal fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale began strongly and raced to a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow fought back admirably with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Additional second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. A late try for the hosts set up a tense finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a major first-round win.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

Play started with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an pass and touch down, extending the home side's advantage.

Against challenging conditions, the Warriors used their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at the interval.

Glasgow took the lead for the first occasion early in the restart. A poor box-kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, they clinched the fourth try when McDowall ran through a defender to score his 100th appearance for the club. This try completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Louw used neat footwork to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

A final opportunity came for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the possession, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are placed in a strong Pool One 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).