🔗 Share this article Glasgow Warriors Impressive in Four-Try Victory at Sale in European First Round Stafford McDowall celebrates in a milestone match for the Warriors. Investec Champions Cup Result Sale Sharks (14) 21 Tries: Van Rhyn, Davies, Louw Conversions: Du Preez (3) Glasgow Warriors (12) 26 Tries: Hiddleston, Darge, Steyn, McDowall Conversions: Hastings (3) The Scottish side kicked off their European campaign in ideal fashion with a valuable bonus-point away victory against Sale Sharks. Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, the hosts began the brighter and built a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and youngster Ollie Davies gave them early control. However, Glasgow responded well with two tries prior to the interval. Forward Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to reduce the deficit. Further after the break tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended Glasgow's lead to twelve points. Marius Louw's try for the hosts promised a tense finale, but the visitors stood strong to claim a significant first-round win. Glasgow Seize Initiative After Interval The match started with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced 19-year-old Ollie Davies into the action for his European debut. The youngster made an immediate impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a smart angle to take an pass and score, extending the home side's advantage. Against challenging conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the contest. A strong line-out drive was finished by front-rower Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Rory Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at half-time. The Scottish club seized the lead for the first occasion early in the second half. A misjudged box-kick was gathered by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up captain Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the try-line. With in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when McDowall powered past a defender to score his 100th appearance for the club. This try completed a sequence of twenty-six unanswered points. The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Marius Louw used good skills to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with minutes remaining. One last chance arose for them from a throw in the 22, but they failed to secure the ball, confirming Glasgow's triumph. Looking Ahead Sale must bounce back ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow Warriors will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun. The two sides are drawn in a competitive first pool that also features the English side and Durban-based outfit 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 (France). Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France) and Julien Caulier (France). TMO: Tual Trainini (French).