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The Scottish side kicked off their European campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow responded well with two tries prior to the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Further after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to twelve points. A late reply for Sale promised a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major opening win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Half-Time

Play began with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good angle to take an pass and score, making the home side's lead.

Facing challenging weather, Glasgow turned to their forward power to get back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first time early in the second half. A poor box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the line.

With in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when McDowall ran through a defender to score his century for the team. That score capped a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Louw used neat skills to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

One last chance arose for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the possession, confirming Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also includes the English side and South African outfit the Hollywoodbets 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).