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

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale started the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors responded well with a pair of scores before half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Further after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a tense finish, but the visitors held firm to claim a major opening win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Interval

The match began with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good support line to collect an offload and touch down, extending the home side's advantage.

Facing challenging weather, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion early in the second half. A poor kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, they clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to score his century for the team. That score capped a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw used neat footwork to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with time remaining.

A final opportunity came for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also features Saracens 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).