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The Scottish side began their European journey in ideal fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, Sale started the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow fought back well with two tries prior to half-time. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Further after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for Sale promised a tense finish, but the visitors stood strong to secure a major opening win.

Warriors Take Control After Interval

Play started with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to collect an pass and score, extending Sale's advantage.

Against difficult conditions, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to fight back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first time early in the second half. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. That score completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Marius Louw used good footwork to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with time left.

A final chance came for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also includes the English side and Durban-based outfit the Sharks.

Teams

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).