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Glasgow Warriors began their Champions Cup journey in perfect fashion with a crucial four-try away victory against Sale.

With the wind at their backs, Sale started the brighter and built a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

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

Further after the break scores from Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts set up a nervous finale, but the visitors stood strong to claim a significant opening victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Interval

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

The youngster made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart support line to collect an pass and score, extending the home side's advantage.

Facing difficult conditions, Glasgow turned to their forward power to fight back into the game. A powerful driving maul was finished by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at the interval.

Glasgow took the lead for the first time early in the restart. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed skipper Steyn to burst through a tackle and race away to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, they clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to score his 100th appearance for the club. That score capped a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a late hope when Marius Louw showed neat skills to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with time remaining.

One last chance arose for them from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

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

The two sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also includes the English side and Durban-based outfit 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 (French).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).