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The Scottish side began their Champions Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale.

With the elements at their backs, Sale began the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, Glasgow responded well with a pair of scores before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Additional after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for Sale promised a tense finale, but the visitors held firm to secure a significant first-round win.

Warriors Take Control Following Half-Time

Play began with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. An early knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart support line to collect an pass and score, making Sale's lead.

Facing difficult conditions, the Warriors used their forward power to fight back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at half-time.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first time soon after the restart. A poor kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, they clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to score his century for the team. This try capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Louw showed good footwork to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with time left.

A final opportunity arose for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

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

Both sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also features 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).