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Glasgow Warriors began their European journey in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try away victory against Sale.

With the wind at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow fought back admirably with two tries prior to the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts set up a tense finale, but the visitors held firm to secure a significant opening win.

Warriors Take Control Following Half-Time

Play began with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good angle to collect an offload and touch down, extending Sale's lead.

Facing challenging weather, the Warriors turned to their forward power to fight back into the game. A powerful driving maul was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the fourth try when McDowall ran through a defender to score his century for the club. This try completed a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Louw showed neat footwork to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

One last opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they lost the ball, confirming the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also features the English side and South African 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.

Officials

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