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

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

But, the visitors fought back well with two tries prior to the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. A late reply for Sale set up a tense finale, but the visitors stood strong to claim a significant first-round victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Interval

Play started with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. A first-half injury to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a good angle to take an offload and touch down, extending Sale's lead.

Against challenging weather, the Warriors turned to their forward power to fight back into the contest. A strong driving maul was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first time soon after the restart. A misjudged box-kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who fed captain Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, they clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to score his century for the team. This try completed a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Louw used neat skills to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes remaining.

One last chance arose for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the ball, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

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

Both sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also features Saracens 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.

Match Officials

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