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

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

However, 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 after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for Sale promised a tense finale, but the visitors held firm to claim a major opening win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Interval

The match started with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good support line to collect an pass and touch down, extending Sale's lead.

Facing challenging conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to fight back into the game. A powerful driving maul was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first time early in the second half. A poor box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his century for the club. This try capped a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

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

One last chance arose for them from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the possession, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are placed in a strong first pool that also includes Saracens and South African 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).