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Glasgow Warriors began their European campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, Sale began strongly and built a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded well with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Further second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale set up a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to claim a significant first-round win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

Play started with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. An early injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

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

Against challenging conditions, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to fight back into the game. A strong line-out drive was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first occasion early in the second half. A poor box-kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. That score completed a run of 26 unanswered points.

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

A final opportunity arose for them from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also includes Saracens and Durban-based outfit 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.

Match Officials

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