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Glasgow Warriors began their European campaign in ideal fashion with a valuable four-try away victory against Sale.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale began strongly and built a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow responded admirably with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Additional after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts promised a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a significant first-round victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

The match started with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to collect an offload and score, extending the home side's advantage.

Facing challenging weather, Glasgow used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at the interval.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first time soon after the second half. A misjudged kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the club. That score completed a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale found a late hope when Marius Louw used good skills to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with time remaining.

One last chance came for them from a throw in the corner, but they lost the ball, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also features the English side and South African team the 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).