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The Scottish side began their European campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, Sale began strongly and built a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors responded admirably with two tries prior to half-time. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Additional second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts promised a nervous finish, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a significant opening victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

Play began with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to take an offload and score, making Sale's advantage.

Against challenging weather, the Warriors turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion early in the restart. A poor box-kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to score his century for the team. That score capped a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw used neat footwork to score. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes left.

One last chance arose for them from a throw in the corner, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a competitive 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.

Officials

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