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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their European campaign in ideal fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts started strongly and built a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow responded admirably with two tries before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Further after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

The match started with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. An early knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to take an pass and touch down, extending Sale's advantage.

Facing challenging conditions, Glasgow used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first time soon after the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to score his century for the team. That score completed a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale found a lifeline when Marius Louw used neat skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes left.

One last opportunity arose for them from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also includes Saracens 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 (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).