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

With the elements at their backs, the hosts began strongly and built a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow fought back admirably with a pair of scores before half-time. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Additional after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to twelve points. A late reply for the hosts promised a nervous finish, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Take Control After Half-Time

The match started with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced 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 angle to collect an pass and score, extending Sale's advantage.

Against challenging conditions, the Warriors turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A misjudged kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. That score capped a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts found a late hope when Marius Louw showed neat skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

A final chance arose for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners 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.

Officials

Referee: Pierre Brousset (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).