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The Scottish side began their European campaign in ideal fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale.

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

However, the visitors responded well with two tries before the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Further second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a tense finish, but the visitors stood strong to claim a significant first-round win.

Glasgow Take Control Following Interval

The match started with a quick try as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to collect an offload and touch down, extending Sale's advantage.

Against difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their forward power to fight back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first time soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.

Now in the driving seat, they secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to score his 100th appearance for the club. That score completed a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

Sale found a late hope when Louw showed good footwork to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

A final opportunity came for them from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also features Saracens and Durban-based team the 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.

Match Officials

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