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The Scottish side kicked off their European campaign in ideal fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, Sale started the brighter and built a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors fought back admirably with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Further second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to 26-14. A late try for the hosts set up a tense finale, but the visitors stood strong to secure a significant first-round victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Interval

Play started with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. An early knock to centre Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a good angle to collect an pass and touch down, making Sale's advantage.

Against difficult weather, Glasgow used their forward power to get back into the game. A powerful driving maul was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at the interval.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first time early in the restart. A misjudged box-kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the bonus point when McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. That score capped a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Louw showed good skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes left.

One last opportunity came for them from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

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

The two sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also features the English side 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).