🔗 Share this article

The Scottish side kicked off their Champions Cup campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale began strongly and raced to a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn 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 flanker Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Additional second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. A late reply for Sale set up a tense finish, but Glasgow stood strong to claim a significant opening win.

Glasgow Seize Initiative Following Half-Time

The match began with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart angle to collect an pass and touch down, extending Sale's lead.

Facing difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their forward power to get back into the contest. A strong driving maul was touched down by front-rower Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at the interval.

Glasgow seized the advantage for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor kick was collected by number eight Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the bonus point when Stafford McDowall ran through a defender to score his century for the club. This try completed a run of twenty-six unanswered points.

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

A final chance came for them from a throw in the corner, but they failed to secure the ball, sealing the Warriors' victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. In contrast, Glasgow will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a competitive Pool One that also includes Saracens and South African 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 (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (French).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).