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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their European campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale.

With the wind at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, Glasgow fought back well with a pair of scores before half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale set up a tense finish, but the visitors stood strong to secure a significant opening win.

Warriors Take Control After Interval

The match began with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart support line to take an offload and score, making Sale's advantage.

Facing challenging conditions, 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 forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first occasion soon after the second half. A misjudged kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, they clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to score his 100th appearance for the team. That score completed a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

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

One last chance came for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also includes Saracens and Durban-based team the 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).