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The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts started strongly and raced to a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors responded admirably with two tries before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. A late reply for Sale promised a nervous finale, but Glasgow held firm to claim a significant first-round win.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Half-Time

The match started with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early injury to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart support line to collect an offload and score, extending Sale's lead.

Facing difficult conditions, the Warriors turned to their forward power to get back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first time early in the second half. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the fourth try when McDowall ran through a defender to score his 100th appearance for the club. This try capped a sequence of 26 unanswered points.

Sale found a late hope when Marius Louw used good skills to score. The kick made it a one-score game with time remaining.

A final opportunity arose for them from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are placed in a strong first pool that also includes the English side and Durban-based team 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).