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

With the wind at their backs, Sale started the brighter and built a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors responded admirably with a pair of scores before the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Additional after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to twelve points. A late reply for the hosts set up a tense finish, but the visitors stood strong to secure a major opening victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Half-Time

Play started with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his European debut.

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

Against difficult weather, the Warriors used their set-piece to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first time soon after the restart. A poor kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to score his 100th appearance for the team. This try capped a run of 26 consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw used good footwork to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with time left.

A final chance arose for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool 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 (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).