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The Scottish side began their European campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and raced to a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors fought back well with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Further second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. A late 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

Play began with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to take an pass and score, extending Sale's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, Glasgow used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first occasion early in the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, they clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try capped a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Louw showed neat footwork to score. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

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

Looking Ahead

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

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also includes the English side 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).