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The Scottish side kicked off their European journey in perfect fashion with a valuable bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, Sale started the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, Glasgow fought back admirably with a pair of scores before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Further second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts promised a nervous finale, but the visitors held firm to secure a significant opening win.

Warriors Take Control After Interval

The match began with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good angle to take an offload and touch down, extending Sale's lead.

Facing challenging conditions, Glasgow used their set-piece to fight back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first occasion early in the second half. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the bonus point when McDowall powered past a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the club. That score capped a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw used neat footwork to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

One last opportunity came for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also includes Saracens and South African team 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).