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The Scottish side began their European journey in ideal fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and built a fourteen-point advantage within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors responded well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts set up a nervous finale, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major first-round win.

Glasgow Take Control After Interval

The match began with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a good angle to collect an offload and score, making the home side's advantage.

Facing difficult conditions, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to get back into the contest. A powerful driving maul was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first occasion soon after the second half. A poor box-kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when McDowall ran through a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the team. This try capped a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Louw showed neat footwork to score. The kick made it a five-point game with time remaining.

A final chance came for them from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also features Saracens and South African 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.

Match Officials

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