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Glasgow Warriors began their European journey in perfect fashion with a crucial four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, Sale started the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors fought back admirably with two tries before half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

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

Warriors Take Control After Interval

The match started with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good support line to take an offload and touch down, making the home side's advantage.

Facing challenging conditions, Glasgow turned to their forward power to fight back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first time soon after the restart. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. This try capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Louw used neat footwork to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with time remaining.

One last chance came for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

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

Both sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also includes 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.

Officials

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