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

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale began strongly and built a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors fought back admirably with a pair of scores before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Additional after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale set up a nervous finish, but the visitors held firm to secure a major first-round victory.

Warriors Take Control After Interval

The match started with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to take an offload and score, making the home side's advantage.

Facing challenging weather, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the game. A strong driving maul was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first occasion early in the second half. A poor box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to score his century for the club. This try completed a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Louw used good footwork to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

One last chance arose for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they lost the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also features Saracens and South African outfit 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).