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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their European campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, Sale started the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors fought back well with a pair of scores before half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Additional after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. A late reply for Sale set up a tense finale, but the visitors held firm to secure a major opening victory.

Glasgow Take Control Following Half-Time

The match started with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. An early knock to centre Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart support line to collect an pass and score, making Sale's advantage.

Against challenging conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first occasion early in the restart. A misjudged box-kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, they clinched the fourth try when McDowall ran through a defender to score his century for the team. This try completed a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

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

One last opportunity arose for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also features the English side 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.

Officials

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