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

With the wind at their backs, Sale began strongly and built a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Tries from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, Glasgow responded well with two tries before the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for Sale set up a nervous finish, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a major opening victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

The match started with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. An early knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a good angle to take an offload and touch down, making the home side's lead.

Facing difficult conditions, Glasgow used their forward power to get back into the game. A powerful driving maul was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and race away to the line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his century for the club. This try completed a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

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

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

What's Next?

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 drawn in a strong Pool One that also features the English side 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.

Match Officials

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