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The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup journey in ideal fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded well with a pair of scores before half-time. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Additional after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to twelve points. A late try for Sale promised a nervous finish, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a significant first-round victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Interval

The match started with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to collect an pass and touch down, making the home side's advantage.

Against difficult weather, Glasgow used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

Glasgow took the lead for the first time early in the second half. A misjudged kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the line.

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

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

One last chance arose for them from a throw in the corner, but they lost the possession, sealing the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are drawn in a strong Pool One 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.

Match Officials

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