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The Scottish side kicked off their European journey in ideal fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, Sale started strongly and raced to a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow responded well with a pair of scores before half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a nervous finish, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a significant first-round win.

Warriors Take Control Following Half-Time

The match started with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart angle to collect an pass and touch down, making the home side's lead.

Against difficult conditions, Glasgow used their forward power to fight back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first time soon after the restart. A misjudged kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to score his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Louw used neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes left.

One last opportunity arose for them from a throw in the 22, but they lost the ball, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also features the English side and Durban-based outfit 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).