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

With the wind at their backs, the hosts began strongly and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors responded well with two tries prior to the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts set up a nervous finish, but Glasgow held firm to secure a significant opening victory.

Warriors Take Control After Interval

The match began with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a good angle to take an pass and touch down, making Sale's advantage.

Against difficult weather, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first occasion soon after the second half. A poor kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. That score capped a run of 26 consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw used neat skills to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

One last chance came for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also features Saracens and Durban-based outfit the Hollywoodbets 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).