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The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup journey in ideal fashion with a valuable four-try away victory against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow responded admirably with two tries before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Additional second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for Sale promised a nervous finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major first-round victory.

Warriors Take Control Following Half-Time

The match began with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from short distance after just two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he took a good support line to take an pass and touch down, extending the home side's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, Glasgow used their set-piece to get back into the contest. 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 two-point game at the interval.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first occasion early in the second half. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when McDowall ran through a defender to score his century for the club. This try capped a run of 26 consecutive points.

The hosts found a lifeline when Louw showed neat footwork to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with time remaining.

One last chance arose for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they lost the possession, confirming the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are placed in a strong first pool that also includes Saracens 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.

Match Officials

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