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The Scottish side kicked off their European journey in ideal fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale.

With the elements at their backs, Sale started the brighter and built a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors fought back admirably with two tries before the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Additional second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts promised a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major first-round victory.

Warriors Take Control Following Half-Time

The match began with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. An early knock to centre Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to take an pass and score, making Sale's advantage.

Facing difficult conditions, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to get back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first time early in the restart. A poor kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall powered past a defender to score his century for the club. That score capped a run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw used good footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

A final opportunity came for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they lost the ball, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also includes 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.

Match Officials

Referee: Pierre Brousset (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).