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

With the wind at their backs, Sale started the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors fought back admirably with two tries prior to the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for the hosts promised a nervous finish, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Take Control Following Interval

Play started with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early injury to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good support line to take an offload and touch down, making the home side's advantage.

Facing difficult conditions, Glasgow turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A strong driving maul was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first time soon after the second half. A misjudged kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to score his century for the club. That score completed a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

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

A final opportunity came for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also includes the English side 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.

Officials

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