Glasgow Commanding in Four-Try Win at Sale Sharks in Champions Cup Opener

Glasgow Warriors began their European journey in perfect fashion with a crucial four-try win on the road against Sale Sharks.

Taking advantage of the wind at their backs, Sale started strongly and raced to a fourteen-point lead within 20 minutes. Scores from the Sale skipper and youngster Ollie Davies put them in command.

But, the visitors fought back admirably with two tries before the interval. Forward Hiddleston and flanker Rory Darge both crossed to reduce the gap.

Further second-half tries from Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall extended the Warriors' lead to 26-14. A late reply for Sale promised a nervous finish, but Glasgow held firm to claim a major first-round win.

Glasgow Take Control After Half-Time

Play began with a quick try as Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn drove over from close range after only two minutes. An early injury to midfielder Ma'asi-White introduced teenager Davies into the action for his European debut.

Davies made an instant impact. Switching to fly-half, he ran a good angle to collect an offload and touch down, extending Sale's lead.

Against difficult weather, Glasgow used their forward power to fight back into the game. A strong line-out drive was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the break, Darge forced his way over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow deficit at half-time.

The Scottish club took the lead for the first occasion soon after the restart. A poor box-kick was collected by number eight Jack Dempsey, who set up skipper Steyn to break a challenge and race away to the try-line.

With in the driving seat, Glasgow clinched the fourth try when McDowall ran through a defender to score his century for the club. This try completed a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts found a late hope when Marius Louw used good skills to cross. The kick made it a one-score game with time left.

One last chance came for Sale from a throw in the 22, but they lost the ball, confirming Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne next Saturday. In contrast, Glasgow will welcome six-time winners Toulouse to their home ground.

Both sides are placed in a strong Pool One that also includes Saracens and South African 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 (France).