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The Scottish side kicked off their European journey 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 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

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

Further second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to 26-14. A late try for the hosts set up a tense finale, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a significant opening win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Half-Time

Play started with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a good support line to take an pass and score, making Sale's lead.

Facing difficult conditions, the Warriors turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

Glasgow took the lead for the first occasion early in the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, they secured the fourth try when McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his century for the team. This try capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale found a late hope when Marius Louw used good skills to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with minutes left.

A final opportunity arose for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also features the English side and South African team the Hollywoodbets 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 (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).