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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their European campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts started strongly and built a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded admirably with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to twelve points. A late try for the hosts promised a tense finish, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major first-round win.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

The match started with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart support line to take an pass and touch down, extending Sale's lead.

Facing difficult conditions, Glasgow turned to their forward power to fight back into the game. A powerful driving maul was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first time soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to score his 100th appearance for the club. This try capped a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw showed good footwork to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes left.

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

What's Next?

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

The two sides are placed in a strong first pool that also features the English side and South African 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).