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

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors responded admirably with a pair of scores before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for the hosts promised a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to claim a significant first-round victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Interval

Play started with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good support line to collect an pass and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Facing difficult weather, the Warriors used their forward power to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first time soon after the second half. A poor kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, they secured the fourth try when McDowall powered past a defender to score his century for the team. That score capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

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

One last opportunity came for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also features the English side 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.

Officials

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