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The Scottish side kicked off their European campaign in ideal fashion with a crucial four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts started strongly and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors fought back admirably with two tries prior to half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a nervous finish, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major first-round win.

Warriors Take Control After Half-Time

The match started with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early knock to centre Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to collect an pass and score, making the home side's advantage.

Against difficult weather, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first occasion soon after the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. That score capped a run of 26 unanswered points.

Sale found a late hope when Louw used neat skills to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

One last chance came for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the ball, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

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