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Glasgow Warriors kicked off their European campaign in ideal fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale Sharks.

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

But, Glasgow responded admirably with a pair of scores before half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Further second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a nervous finish, but the visitors held firm to secure a significant first-round win.

Glasgow Take Control After Half-Time

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

The youngster made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a good angle to take an offload and score, extending Sale's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, Glasgow used their forward power to get back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at the interval.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first occasion soon after the second half. A poor box-kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when McDowall ran through a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try capped a run of 26 unanswered points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw used good skills to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with time left.

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

Looking Ahead

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

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