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Glasgow Warriors began their European campaign in ideal fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale.

With the wind at their backs, Sale began the brighter 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.

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

Additional after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to 26-14. A late reply for the hosts set up a tense finale, but the visitors held firm to secure a significant first-round victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

Play began with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good angle to take an offload and score, extending the home side's lead.

Facing difficult conditions, Glasgow used their forward power to get back into the game. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first time soon after the restart. A poor kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. This try completed a run of 26 unanswered points.

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

A final chance came for them from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

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

Both sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also features the English side and Durban-based outfit 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.

Officials

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