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The Scottish side kicked off their European journey in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.

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

However, Glasgow fought back admirably with two tries before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Further second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts set up a tense finish, but the visitors held firm to secure a significant first-round win.

Warriors Take Control After Interval

Play started with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an pass and touch down, extending the home side's lead.

Facing challenging weather, Glasgow used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

Glasgow took the lead for the first occasion early in the second half. A poor kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. That score completed a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

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

A final chance came for them from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

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

The two sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also features 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).