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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their European campaign in ideal fashion with a valuable four-try away victory against Sale.

With the elements at their backs, Sale began strongly and built a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors fought back well with two tries prior to half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Further second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for Sale promised a nervous finale, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Interval

The match started with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. An early injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good angle to collect an offload and score, making Sale's lead.

Facing challenging weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, they clinched the fourth try when McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his century for the team. That score capped a run of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts found a late hope when Louw used neat skills to score. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

One last opportunity came for them from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

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

The two sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also includes Saracens and Durban-based 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.

Match Officials

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