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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their European journey in ideal fashion with a valuable bonus-point win on the road against Sale.

With the wind at their backs, the hosts began strongly and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded admirably with a pair of scores before the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Additional after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts promised a nervous finale, but the visitors stood strong to claim a major first-round win.

Glasgow Take Control After Interval

Play began with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. An early knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the fray 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, making the home side's lead.

Against challenging weather, the Warriors turned to their forward power to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first time soon after the restart. A poor kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the fourth try when McDowall powered past a defender to score his century for the team. That score completed a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw used neat skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes left.

A final opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a competitive 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.

Officials

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