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The Scottish side began their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try away victory against Sale.

With the elements at their backs, Sale began strongly and raced to a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors responded admirably with two tries prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Additional after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. A late try for the hosts promised a nervous finale, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a significant first-round win.

Warriors Take Control Following Interval

The match began with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half injury to centre Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to collect an pass and touch down, making the home side's lead.

Facing challenging weather, the Warriors used their forward power to get back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the second half. A misjudged kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw showed neat footwork to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with time remaining.

A final chance arose for them from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also features the English side and South African team 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).