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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their European campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale began the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors fought back admirably with a pair of scores before half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts set up a nervous finish, but the visitors held firm to secure a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Take Control After Interval

Play started with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. An early knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 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 collect an offload and score, making the home side's advantage.

Facing challenging weather, the Warriors used their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at the interval.

Glasgow took the lead for the first occasion early in the second half. A misjudged kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the club. That score capped a run of 26 consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw showed neat footwork to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with time left.

One last chance arose for them from a throw in the corner, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

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

Both sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also includes Saracens and Durban-based outfit the Hollywoodbets 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).