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The Scottish side began their European campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale began the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded admirably with two tries before the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Additional after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to twelve points. A late try for the hosts set up a tense finale, but the visitors stood strong to secure a major first-round win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Interval

The match began with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good support line to take an offload and touch down, extending Sale's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to get back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first time soon after the second half. A misjudged kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the line.

With in the ascendancy, they clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the team. This try capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Louw used neat footwork to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with time remaining.

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

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also includes the English side and South African team 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.

Match Officials

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