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The Scottish side kicked off their European campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts started strongly and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

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

Further after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for Sale promised a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to claim a major first-round win.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

The match began with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to take an offload and score, making Sale's lead.

Facing challenging weather, Glasgow used their set-piece to get back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at half-time.

Glasgow took the lead for the first time soon after the second half. A poor box-kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. That score completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts found a late hope when Louw used good footwork to score. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

A final opportunity arose for them from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the ball, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also features Saracens and South African team the 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).