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Glasgow Warriors began their Champions Cup journey in ideal fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow fought back admirably with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for Sale set up a nervous finish, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Take Control After Interval

Play began with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. An early injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good support line to take an pass and score, extending Sale's advantage.

Against challenging weather, Glasgow used their set-piece to get back into the game. A strong line-out drive was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at the interval.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first time soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, they secured the fourth try when McDowall powered past a tackle to score his century for the club. This try completed a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

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

One last chance came for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the ball, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also features the English side 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).