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

With the wind at their backs, Sale started the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors responded admirably with two tries prior to the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Additional after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for Sale promised a tense finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major opening win.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

The match started with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart support line to collect an pass and touch down, making the home side's advantage.

Against difficult weather, the Warriors turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first occasion early in the restart. A poor box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to score his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

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

A final chance arose for them from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

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