đ Share this article Glasgow Warriors Impressive in Bonus-Point Win at Sale Sharks in European Opener Stafford McDowall scores on his 100th appearance for Glasgow. 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 Champions Cup journey in ideal fashion with a valuable four-try away victory against Sale Sharks. Taking advantage of the elements at their backs, Sale started strongly and built a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Tries from Ernst van Rhyn and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control. But, Glasgow fought back well with a pair of scores before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the gap. Additional second-half scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' advantage to 26-14. Marius Louw's reply for Sale set up a tense finale, but Glasgow held firm to secure a major first-round win. Warriors Take Control After Interval Play began with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut. Davies made an instant contribution. Moving to fly-half, he ran a good support line to collect an offload and touch down, extending Sale's lead. Facing challenging weather, Glasgow turned to their set-piece to get back into the game. A strong driving maul was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the half, Darge forced his way over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at the interval. The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first time soon after the second half. A poor kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to break a challenge and sprint to the line. Now in the driving seat, they clinched the fourth try when McDowall powered past a defender to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. This try completed a sequence of twenty-six consecutive points. The hosts found a lifeline when Marius Louw used good skills to cross. The conversion made it a one-score game with minutes left. A final opportunity arose for them from a throw in the corner, but they lost the possession, sealing Glasgow's triumph. What's Next? Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a journey to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. Meanwhile, Glasgow Warriors will host European giants Toulouse to their home ground. The two sides are drawn in a competitive Pool One that also features Saracens and Durban-based outfit the Sharks. Teams 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 (French) and Julien Caulier (France). TMO: Tual Trainini (France).