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Glasgow Warriors began their Champions Cup campaign in ideal fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale.

With the wind at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and built a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

But, Glasgow responded admirably with a pair of scores before the interval. Forward Gregor Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Further after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. A late try for the hosts promised a nervous finale, but the visitors held firm to claim a major opening victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Half-Time

The match began with a bang as Sale captain Van Rhyn scored 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 instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an offload and score, making Sale's advantage.

Facing challenging weather, the Warriors used their set-piece to fight back into the contest. A powerful line-out drive was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a two-point game at half-time.

The Scottish club took the advantage for the first time soon after the second half. A misjudged box-kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the line.

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

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

A final opportunity arose for them from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, confirming Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also features Saracens and Durban-based 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.

Officials

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