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The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup journey in ideal fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale began the brighter and raced to a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow fought back well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Additional after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to 26-14. A late try for Sale promised a tense finish, but Glasgow held firm to secure a significant opening victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Interval

Play started with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to take an offload and touch down, making Sale's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, Glasgow used their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the second half. A poor kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the bonus point when McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his century for the team. This try capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Louw showed good footwork to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with time left.

A final opportunity came for them from a throw in the corner, but they lost the ball, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also features the English side 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).