Mike Catt was involved a fracas

Bath, boosted by the return of Mike Catt at fly-half, began to impose their authority in the second half of the match.

At one stage, the visitors were camped within five metres from the Biarritz try-line, but the French defence stood firm as they frustrated wave after wave of Bath attacks.

And ill-discipline cost Bath a penalty in front of the posts when Catt retaliated to a punch thrown from a Biarritz forward.

The England international was lucky not to have been shown the yellow card by referee Nigel Williams.

But Bath eventually managed to make their possession count when a powerful tackle from Lyle turned over Biarritz possession 15 yards from the try-line.

A clever from flanker Gavin Thomas pass found Voyce, who ran in from 15m for the score in the corner to seal a confidence-boosting victory for Bath.

Biarritz: Pens: J Roff, S Legg

Bath: Tries: T Voyce, Pens: M Perry (3)

Biarritz: Brusque, Legg, Bousses, Isaac, Roff, Peyrelongue, Morlaes, Puleoto, Curnier, Avril, Nouchi, Roumat, Betsen, Milheres, Nauroy.
Replacements: Fitzgerald, Gonzales, Matiu, Chouchan, Mazas, Bidabe, Bernat-Salles.

Bath: Perry, Balshaw, Maggs, Tindall, Voyce, Catt, Williams, D. Barnes, Long, Mallett, Borthwick, Grewcock, G. Thomas, N. Thomas, Lyle.
Replacements: Cooper, Regan, Hopcroft, Thirlby, Barkley, Lloyd, Gabey.

Referee: Nigel Williams (Wales)