🔗 Share this article

Glasgow Warriors began their European journey in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try win on the road against Sale.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale began the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Scores from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

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

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts promised a tense finale, but the visitors stood strong to secure a significant first-round victory.

Glasgow Take Control After Interval

The match started with a quick try as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half knock to centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a smart support line to take an offload and score, making the home side's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, the Warriors used their forward power to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a two-point deficit at the interval.

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

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow clinched the bonus point when Stafford McDowall powered past a defender to score his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

Sale found a late hope when Marius Louw showed neat footwork to cross. The conversion made it a five-point game with time left.

One last chance arose for them from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a competitive first pool 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.

Match Officials

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