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The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup journey in ideal fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, Sale started strongly and raced to a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant 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 reduce the deficit.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. A late reply for the hosts promised a nervous finish, but the visitors held firm to claim a major opening win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Half-Time

The match began with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the action for his European debut.

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

Facing difficult conditions, Glasgow used their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first time soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the line.

With in the ascendancy, they secured the bonus point when McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try capped a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Marius Louw used good skills to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with time left.

One last opportunity came for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also features the English side and Durban-based outfit the Hollywoodbets 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).