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

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 Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

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

Further second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for the hosts promised a tense finale, but the visitors held firm to claim a significant first-round victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

The match started with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good angle to take an pass and score, making the home side's lead.

Against challenging conditions, the Warriors used their forward power to get back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at half-time.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion early in the restart. A poor box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. This try completed a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale found a lifeline when Marius Louw used good footwork to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with time remaining.

One last chance came for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a strong first pool that also features 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 (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).