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The Scottish side began their European campaign in ideal fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale started the brighter and built a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow responded well with two tries prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Additional after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale set up a tense finale, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a major opening victory.

Warriors Take Control After Half-Time

Play began with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early knock to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to collect an offload and touch down, making the home side's lead.

Against challenging conditions, the Warriors used their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the line.

With in the driving seat, they secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. That score completed a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

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

One last chance came for them from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

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

Both sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also features Saracens and Durban-based outfit 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).