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

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale started the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

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

Further second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to 26-14. A late reply for Sale promised a nervous finale, but the visitors stood strong to claim a significant first-round win.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

The match started with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored 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 cup debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a good support line to take an pass and touch down, making the home side's lead.

Facing difficult weather, Glasgow used their forward power to get back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first time early in the restart. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the bonus point when McDowall powered past a defender to score his century for the team. This try completed a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Marius Louw showed good skills to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

One last opportunity arose for them from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also includes the English side and South African team 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).