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The Scottish side began their European journey in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts started strongly and raced to a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Additional after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. A late reply for the hosts set up a tense finale, but the visitors stood strong to secure a significant opening victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Half-Time

The match started with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. An early knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good support line to take an pass and touch down, extending the home side's advantage.

Against challenging weather, Glasgow used their set-piece to get back into the game. A strong line-out drive was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first occasion early in the second half. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, they secured the bonus point when McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his century for the club. That score capped a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Louw showed neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time left.

A final opportunity came for them from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also features Saracens and South African team 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).