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The Scottish side began their European journey in ideal fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and raced to a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

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

Further second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts set up a nervous finish, but the visitors held firm to secure a major opening win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

Play started with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to collect an pass and score, extending the home side's advantage.

Facing difficult conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club 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 captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his century for the club. This try completed a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale found a lifeline when Louw used good skills to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with time left.

One last opportunity came for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the ball, sealing Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also features the English side and South African outfit 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 (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).