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

With the elements at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and raced to a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors responded well with two tries before the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for the hosts set up a tense finish, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major first-round victory.

Warriors Take Control Following Interval

The match began with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a good angle to collect an pass and score, extending the home side's lead.

Against challenging conditions, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to get back into the game. A strong driving maul was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first time early in the restart. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and race away to the line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his century for the team. That score completed a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts found a late hope when Louw showed neat skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with time remaining.

One last chance came for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

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

Both sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also features Saracens and Durban-based team 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.

Match Officials

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