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

With the wind at their backs, the hosts started strongly and built a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow fought back admirably with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts promised a nervous finale, but the visitors held firm to secure a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Take Control Following Half-Time

Play began with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an offload and score, making Sale's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

Glasgow took the lead for the first time early in the restart. A poor box-kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to score his 100th appearance for the team. That score completed a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

Sale found a lifeline when Marius Louw showed neat skills to score. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

One last chance arose for them from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also features Saracens and Durban-based 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).