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The Scottish side kicked off their European journey in ideal fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded well with two tries before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to 26-14. A late try for the hosts set up a tense finish, but the visitors held firm to secure a major opening win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Interval

The match started with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to collect an pass and score, extending the home side's lead.

Against difficult weather, the Warriors turned to their forward power to get back into the game. A strong driving maul was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at half-time.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first time early in the second half. A misjudged kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the line.

With in the ascendancy, they secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to score his 100th appearance for the team. That score completed a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Marius Louw showed good skills to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with time remaining.

One last chance arose for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a competitive Pool One 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).