🔗 Share this article

The Scottish side kicked off their European campaign in ideal fashion with a valuable bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale started strongly and raced to a 14-0 advantage within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, Glasgow fought back admirably with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to narrow the deficit.

Further second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for the hosts promised a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to claim a major first-round victory.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Interval

Play started with a bang as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

Davies made an immediate contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an offload and score, extending Sale's advantage.

Against difficult weather, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at the interval.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first time soon after the restart. A misjudged kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up skipper Kyle Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

Now in the ascendancy, Glasgow secured the fourth try when Stafford McDowall powered past a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the club. This try capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw showed neat skills to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

A final opportunity came for Sale from a throw in the corner, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's victory.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground.

The two sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also includes the English side 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.

Officials

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