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The Scottish side began their European campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and raced to a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors fought back admirably with two tries prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a tense finale, but the visitors held firm to claim a major first-round win.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

Play began with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early knock to centre Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to collect an pass and score, making the home side's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to fight back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at the interval.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the bonus point when McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his century for the club. This try capped a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale found a late hope when Louw showed good footwork to score. The kick made it a one-score game with time left.

One last opportunity arose for them from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also includes Saracens and South African team the 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.

Match Officials

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