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The Scottish side kicked off their European campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale.

With the elements at their backs, Sale began strongly and raced to a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded admirably with two tries prior to half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Additional after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale set up a nervous finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a major opening win.

Glasgow Take Control Following Interval

The match began with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to take an offload and score, making the home side's lead.

Facing difficult conditions, Glasgow used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first time early in the second half. A misjudged box-kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try capped a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw showed neat footwork to score. The kick made it a five-point game with time left.

A final opportunity came for them from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the possession, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

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

The two sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also includes Saracens and Durban-based 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 (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).