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The Scottish side kicked off their European campaign in ideal fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts began strongly and raced to a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors fought back well with two tries before half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Additional second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to 26-14. A late try for the hosts set up a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major first-round win.

Glasgow Take Control After Interval

Play started with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. An early injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the action for his European debut.

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

Facing 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 half, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first occasion soon after the second half. A misjudged kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the bonus point when McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his century for the club. This try capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw showed good footwork to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

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

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also includes the English side and South African outfit the Hollywoodbets 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.

Officials

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