🔗 Share this article

The Scottish side began their European journey in ideal fashion with a crucial bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and built a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

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

Additional after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to twelve points. A late try for the hosts promised a nervous finish, but Glasgow stood strong to secure a significant opening win.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Interval

The match began with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after only two minutes. An early injury to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his cup debut.

The youngster made an immediate contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good angle to take an pass and touch down, making Sale's lead.

Facing challenging weather, Glasgow turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a two-point game at the interval.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the second half. A poor kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to burst through a tackle and sprint to the line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when McDowall ran through a defender to score his century for the club. That score completed a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

Sale found a late hope when Louw showed neat skills to score. The kick made it a five-point game with time remaining.

A final chance arose for them from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, confirming the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

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

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

Officials

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