Glasgow Commanding in Four-Try Win at Sale Sharks in European First Round

Glasgow Warriors kicked off their European campaign in perfect fashion with a valuable bonus-point win on the road against Sale Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, the hosts began strongly and built a 14-0 lead within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors fought back well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Hooker Hiddleston and back-rower Darge both crossed to narrow the deficit.

Additional after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to 26-14. Marius Louw's try for the hosts set up a nervous finale, but the visitors stood strong to claim a major first-round victory.

Glasgow Take Control Following Interval

Play began with a bang as skipper Ernst van Rhyn scored from close range after just two minutes. An early knock to midfielder Rekeiti Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Ollie Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant impact. Moving to fly-half, he took a good support line to collect an pass and touch down, making Sale's advantage.

Facing difficult weather, Glasgow turned to their forward power to fight back into the game. A powerful driving maul was touched down by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Just before the break, Rory Darge barged over, with Hastings' kick making it a narrow game at half-time.

The Scottish club seized the advantage for the first occasion early in the second half. A misjudged kick was collected by No. 8 Dempsey, who set up captain Kyle Steyn to burst through a challenge and sprint to the try-line.

With in the ascendancy, they secured the bonus point when McDowall ran through a defender to score his century for the club. This try completed a sequence of 26 consecutive points.

Sale gave themselves a lifeline when Louw showed good footwork to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with time left.

A final opportunity arose for Sale from a line-out in the 22, but they failed to secure the possession, sealing the Warriors' triumph.

What's Next?

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

The two sides are drawn in a strong Pool One that also features Saracens and South African team 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.

Match Officials

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