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

With the wind at their backs, Sale started strongly and built a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow responded admirably with a pair of scores before half-time. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Further second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a tense finale, but the visitors stood strong to secure a significant first-round victory.

Warriors Take Control Following Half-Time

The match started with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an pass and touch down, extending Sale's lead.

Against difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at the interval.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first occasion early in the second half. A misjudged kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the fourth try when McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his century for the club. That score capped a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Louw used good skills to score. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes left.

One last chance arose for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they lost the ball, sealing the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also features the English side and Durban-based outfit 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.

Officials

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