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

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts began strongly and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors responded well with two tries prior to the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Further second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. A late reply for the hosts set up a nervous finish, but the visitors held firm to secure a major first-round win.

Glasgow Take Control Following Interval

The match started with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to collect an offload and score, extending Sale's lead.

Facing difficult conditions, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to get back into the game. A powerful driving maul was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion soon after the second half. A misjudged box-kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his century for the team. This try capped a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

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

One last chance came for them from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the possession, confirming the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also includes Saracens and South African outfit the Hollywoodbets Sharks.

Line-ups

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