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

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale started the brighter and built a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors responded well with two tries before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Additional after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to secure a significant opening victory.

Glasgow Take Control Following Interval

Play started with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart angle to take an pass and touch down, extending Sale's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to get back into the game. A strong driving maul was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at the interval.

Glasgow took the lead for the first time soon after the restart. A misjudged kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, they clinched the fourth try when McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. That score capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale found a late hope when Marius Louw showed good skills to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

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

Looking Ahead

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

The two sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also features Saracens and South African outfit the Hollywoodbets 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).