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The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale started the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow responded well with a pair of scores before half-time. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Additional second-half scores from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. A late reply for the hosts set up a tense finish, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a major first-round victory.

Warriors Take Control Following Half-Time

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

The youngster made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart support line to collect an offload and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Against challenging weather, the Warriors used their forward power to get back into the game. A powerful driving maul was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first time early in the second half. A poor box-kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his century for the club. That score completed a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Marius Louw showed good footwork to score. The kick made it a one-score game with time remaining.

One last opportunity came for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also features the English side and South African team 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.

Match Officials

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