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Glasgow Warriors began their European campaign in ideal fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts started strongly and built a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors fought back admirably with two tries before the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Further after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. A late try for the hosts set up a tense finale, but the visitors held firm to secure a major opening victory.

Warriors Take Control After Interval

The match began with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good angle to take an offload and touch down, making the home side's lead.

Against challenging conditions, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to get back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

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

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his century for the team. That score completed a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

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

A final opportunity came for them from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also features Saracens and South African outfit the 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.

Officials

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