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The Scottish side began their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale began strongly and built a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow fought back well with two tries before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Additional after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for Sale set up a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major opening victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

The match began with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to collect an offload and score, making the home side's advantage.

Facing challenging conditions, Glasgow used their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first occasion early in the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, they clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to score his 100th appearance for the team. This try capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Louw showed good footwork to score. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

One last opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

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

Both sides are placed in a competitive first pool that also includes the English side and South African 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 (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).