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The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup campaign in ideal fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, the visitors responded admirably with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for Sale set up a nervous finale, but the visitors stood strong to claim a significant first-round win.

Warriors Take Control Following Interval

The match began with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to collect an offload and score, extending the home side's advantage.

Against difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at the interval.

Glasgow took the lead for the first occasion soon after the restart. A misjudged box-kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the line.

Now in the driving seat, they secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to score his 100th appearance for the club. That score capped a run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Louw used neat footwork to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes left.

One last opportunity came for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, confirming Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also includes the English side and Durban-based team 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).