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The Scottish side began their Champions Cup journey in ideal fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, Sale began strongly and built a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

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

Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for Sale promised a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major opening win.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

Play began with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

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

Facing challenging weather, Glasgow used their forward power to fight back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first time early in the restart. A poor kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, they secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. That score completed a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Louw used neat skills to score. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

One last opportunity arose for them from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the possession, confirming the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also features the English side and Durban-based team 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 (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).