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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their European journey in ideal fashion with a crucial four-try win on the road 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. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow fought back admirably with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts promised a tense finale, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a major opening victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Half-Time

The match started with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to take an pass and touch down, extending the home side's advantage.

Against challenging conditions, Glasgow turned to their forward power to fight back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first time soon after the second half. A poor kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his century for the team. This try capped a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

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

One last opportunity came for them from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also includes Saracens and South African 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).