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Glasgow Warriors began their European campaign in ideal fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow fought back well with two tries before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Additional after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale set up a tense finish, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major opening win.

Warriors Take Control After Interval

The match began with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the action for his cup debut.

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

Facing challenging conditions, the Warriors used their forward power to fight back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first time early in the second half. A misjudged kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the driving seat, they clinched the bonus point when McDowall ran through a defender to score his 100th appearance for the club. That score capped a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

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

A final opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also includes Saracens and South African 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.

Officials

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