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Glasgow Warriors began their European journey in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, Glasgow responded well with a pair of scores before half-time. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Additional after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. A late reply for the hosts set up a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major opening win.

Glasgow Take Control Following Half-Time

Play started with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good support line to collect an pass and touch down, extending the home side's advantage.

Facing challenging conditions, Glasgow used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, they secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to score his century for the team. That score capped a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale found a late hope when Louw used good footwork to score. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

A final chance arose for them from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

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

Both sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also features Saracens 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.

Officials

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