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

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow fought back well with two tries prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Additional after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts set up a tense finale, but the visitors stood strong to claim a significant opening victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Half-Time

Play began with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

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

Facing difficult weather, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at the interval.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first occasion early in the second half. A poor kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, they secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to score his century for the club. This try capped a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

The hosts found a late hope when Louw used good footwork to score. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes left.

One last chance came for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are placed in a strong first pool that also features Saracens and Durban-based team the Hollywoodbets 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).