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The Scottish side began their Champions Cup journey in ideal fashion with a valuable bonus-point win on the road against Sale.

With the wind at their backs, Sale began strongly and built a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors responded admirably with a pair of scores before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both went over to narrow the gap.

Further second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts promised a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major opening win.

Warriors Seize Initiative After Interval

The match began with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after only two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

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

Facing challenging conditions, the Warriors used their forward power to get back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the lead for the first time early in the restart. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the club. That score capped a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale found a late hope when Marius Louw showed good footwork to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with minutes left.

One last opportunity arose for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also features the English side and Durban-based 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.

Officials

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