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

With the elements at their backs, the hosts began strongly and built a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors responded admirably with two tries before half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Further second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to 26-14. A late try for the hosts promised a nervous finale, but the visitors stood strong to secure a significant first-round victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Half-Time

The match started with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a smart angle to collect an pass and touch down, extending Sale's lead.

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

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

With in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his century for the team. That score completed a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

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

A final opportunity arose for them from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the ball, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also includes the English side 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.

Officials

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