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The Scottish side kicked off their European journey in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try away victory against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale started strongly and raced to a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded well with a pair of scores prior to the interval. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Additional after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to 26-14. A late try for the hosts promised a nervous finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a major first-round win.

Glasgow Take Control After Interval

Play began with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart angle to collect an offload and touch down, extending the home side's advantage.

Facing challenging conditions, Glasgow used their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

Glasgow took the lead for the first occasion early in the restart. A misjudged kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the bonus point when McDowall ran through a defender to score his century for the club. This try capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts found a late hope when Louw used good skills to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

One last chance came for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also features Saracens 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.

Match Officials

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