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Glasgow Warriors began their European journey in ideal fashion with a crucial four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts began strongly and built a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

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

Additional after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to twelve points. A late try for Sale promised a nervous finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a major opening victory.

Warriors Take Control Following Interval

The match started with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to collect an offload and touch down, making Sale's advantage.

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

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first occasion soon after the second half. A poor box-kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

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

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Louw used neat skills to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with time remaining.

One last chance came for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

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

Both sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also features Saracens and Durban-based 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).