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Glasgow Warriors began their European campaign in ideal fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale.

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

But, Glasgow responded admirably with a pair of scores before the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Additional second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. A late reply for the hosts promised a nervous finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a significant opening victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

The match started with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. An early knock to centre Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart angle to collect an pass and score, extending Sale's lead.

Facing difficult conditions, the Warriors turned to their forward power to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at half-time.

Glasgow took the lead for the first time soon after the restart. A misjudged kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the line.

With in the ascendancy, they clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his century for the club. That score capped a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

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

A final chance arose for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also features the English side and Durban-based outfit 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 (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).