🔗 Share this article

Glasgow Warriors kicked off their European campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try away victory against Sale.

With the elements at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and built a fourteen-point advantage within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, Glasgow fought back well with two tries before half-time. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the deficit.

Further after the break tries from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed Glasgow's advantage to twelve points. A late reply for the hosts set up a nervous finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a significant first-round win.

Warriors Seize Initiative Following Interval

The match began with a quick try as Sale captain Van Rhyn drove over from short distance after just two minutes. An early injury to centre Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Davies into the action for his cup debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good support line to collect an pass and score, making Sale's advantage.

Against difficult conditions, Glasgow used their forward power to fight back into the game. A powerful line-out drive was touched down by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' kick making it a two-point deficit at half-time.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first occasion early in the restart. A poor box-kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who fed captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, they clinched the fourth try when McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his century for the club. This try capped a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a late hope when Louw showed good footwork to score. The kick made it a five-point game with time remaining.

One last chance came for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

What's Next?

Sale must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to Scotstoun.

Both 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.

Officials

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