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

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

But, the visitors fought back admirably with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for Sale promised a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to claim a significant first-round win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Interval

Play began with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. An early injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to take an pass and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Against difficult conditions, the Warriors turned to their forward power to fight back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first occasion early in the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to score his century for the club. That score completed a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw used good skills to score. The kick made it a one-score game with time remaining.

One last opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also features Saracens and Durban-based 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 (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).