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Glasgow Warriors began their European journey in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try away victory against Sale.

With the elements at their backs, Sale started the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors fought back well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Additional after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts promised a tense finale, but the visitors stood strong to claim a significant first-round win.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

Play began with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. An early knock to centre Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to collect an offload and touch down, making the home side's lead.

Facing difficult conditions, Glasgow turned to their forward power to fight back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first time early in the restart. A misjudged kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, they secured the fourth try when McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his century for the team. This try capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale found a lifeline when Louw showed good skills to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

One last chance arose for them from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

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

The two sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also includes the English side and Durban-based 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 (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).