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

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale started the brighter and raced to a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow fought back well with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Further after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for Sale promised a nervous finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major first-round win.

Glasgow Take Control Following Interval

The match began with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. An early knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an offload and score, extending Sale's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to fight back into the game. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

Glasgow took the lead for the first occasion soon after the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his century for the club. This try capped a run of 26 consecutive points.

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

A final chance came for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also includes the English side 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 (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).