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The Scottish side began their Champions Cup journey in ideal fashion with a valuable four-try away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the elements at their backs, Sale started strongly and raced to a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors fought back well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. A late reply for Sale promised a tense finale, but the visitors held firm to claim a significant first-round victory.

Warriors Take Control After Interval

Play started with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

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

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

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first time early in the restart. A poor box-kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the driving seat, they secured the fourth try when McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his century for the club. This try capped a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points.

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

A final opportunity came for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing the Warriors' victory.

What's Next?

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also includes the English side and South African team the 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 (French).