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The Scottish side began their European journey in ideal fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale.

With the wind at their backs, Sale began the brighter and built a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors responded admirably with a pair of scores before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Additional after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a tense finale, but the visitors held firm to secure a major opening victory.

Warriors Take Control Following Interval

The match started with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart angle to collect an offload and score, making Sale's advantage.

Against challenging conditions, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at the interval.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his century for the club. That score capped a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

Sale found a late hope when Louw showed good skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

One last opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also includes the English side and South African 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.

Match Officials

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