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The Scottish side began their European campaign in ideal fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, Sale began strongly and raced to a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors fought back well with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to 26-14. A late reply for Sale set up a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to claim a major opening victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Interval

The match began with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart angle to collect an pass and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Facing difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.

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 fed skipper Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the line.

With in the driving seat, they clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. This try capped a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

Sale found a late hope when Marius Louw used good skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

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

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

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

Match Officials

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