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The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup campaign in ideal fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, the hosts started strongly and raced to a 14-0 advantage within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow responded well with a pair of scores before the interval. Hooker Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to narrow the gap.

Further second-half tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for Sale set up a tense finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a major first-round victory.

Warriors Take Control After Half-Time

The match began with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good support line to collect an pass and score, extending Sale's advantage.

Against challenging conditions, the Warriors turned to their forward power to get back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at half-time.

Glasgow took the advantage for the first occasion early in the second half. A poor box-kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to score his 100th appearance for the club. That score completed a run of 26 consecutive points.

Sale found a late hope when Marius Louw used neat footwork to score. The conversion made it a one-score game with time left.

One last opportunity came for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also features Saracens and Durban-based outfit 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (French).