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The Scottish side kicked off their European journey in perfect fashion with a valuable bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, the hosts started strongly and raced to a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

However, the visitors responded well with a pair of scores before half-time. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Further second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. A late reply for Sale set up a nervous finish, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major opening win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Half-Time

Play began with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after only two minutes. An early injury to centre Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an offload and score, extending the home side's advantage.

Facing difficult conditions, the Warriors turned to their forward power to get back into the game. A strong driving maul was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at half-time.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first time early in the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall powered past a tackle to score his century for the team. That score completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

Sale found a lifeline when Louw used good skills to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes left.

One last opportunity arose for Sale from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the possession, confirming Glasgow's victory.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also features the English side 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).