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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their European campaign in ideal fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, Sale started strongly and built a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow fought back admirably with two tries before the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Additional second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to twelve points. A late reply for Sale set up a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major first-round win.

Glasgow Take Control Following Interval

The match started with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. An early knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart angle to take an pass and touch down, extending the home side's lead.

Against challenging weather, Glasgow turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at the interval.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the second half. A poor kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to score his century for the club. That score capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Louw showed neat skills to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with time left.

One last opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also includes Saracens and South African outfit 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).