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The Scottish side began their European campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, Sale began the brighter and built a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

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

Further after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts promised a tense finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a significant opening win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Half-Time

Play started with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good support line to collect an offload and touch down, making the home side's lead.

Facing challenging conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first occasion early in the second half. A poor kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the line.

With in the driving seat, they clinched the bonus point when McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. This try completed a run of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Louw used neat footwork to score. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes left.

One last chance arose for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also features Saracens and South African team 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.

Match Officials

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