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The Scottish side began their European journey in ideal fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale.

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

However, the visitors responded admirably with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Further after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts set up a tense finish, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a significant opening victory.

Glasgow Take Control Following Half-Time

The match started with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart support line to collect an offload and touch down, making the home side's lead.

Against difficult weather, the Warriors used their forward power to fight back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first time early in the restart. A poor box-kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw used good footwork to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with time remaining.

A final chance came for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also includes Saracens and South African 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).