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The Scottish side kicked off their European journey in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale began strongly and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors fought back admirably with two tries before half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a tense finish, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a significant first-round win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Interval

The match started with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart angle to take an pass and touch down, making the home side's lead.

Against difficult weather, Glasgow used their set-piece to get back into the game. A strong line-out drive was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first time soon after the restart. A misjudged kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, they clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to score his century for the team. This try capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale found a late hope when Louw showed neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

One last opportunity arose for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the possession, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

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

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