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Glasgow Warriors 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 raced to a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, Glasgow responded well with two tries prior to the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Further second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. A late try for the hosts set up a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major opening win.

Warriors Take Control After Interval

The match started with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

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

Against difficult weather, Glasgow used their forward power to fight back into the game. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first time soon after the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the fourth try when McDowall ran through a tackle to score his century for the club. That score capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

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

A final opportunity came for them from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also features Saracens and Durban-based team 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.

Match Officials

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