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

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

But, Glasgow responded admirably with a pair of scores before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Further second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a nervous finish, but the visitors held firm to secure a major opening win.

Warriors Take Control After Half-Time

The match started with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

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

Facing difficult weather, Glasgow used their set-piece to get back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first time soon after the second half. A misjudged kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, they clinched the bonus point when McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try capped a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Louw used neat skills to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with time left.

A final chance came for them from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

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

Both sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also features the English side and South African team 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 (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).