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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their European journey in ideal fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

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

But, the visitors responded admirably with a pair of scores before half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for Sale set up a nervous finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a major first-round victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

The match began with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good support line to collect an offload and touch down, extending the home side's lead.

Against difficult conditions, Glasgow used their forward power to get back into the game. A strong line-out drive was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at the interval.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first occasion soon after the second half. A misjudged kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. That score completed a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

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

A final chance came for them from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the ball, confirming the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

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

Both sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also features the English side and Durban-based team the 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).