🔗 Share this article

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

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

However, the visitors fought back admirably with two tries prior to the interval. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale set up a nervous finish, but the visitors stood strong to claim a significant first-round victory.

Glasgow Take Control After Interval

Play started with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good support line to collect an pass and touch down, extending the home side's lead.

Facing difficult conditions, the Warriors turned to their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong driving maul was finished by hooker Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first time early in the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a run of 26 unanswered points.

Sale found a lifeline when Louw used good footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time remaining.

A final chance came for them from a line-out in the corner, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a strong first pool that also includes 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.

Officials

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