The boot of Arwel Thomas kept Swansea's Heineken Cup hopes alive as he inspired a narrow 15-10 victory over French side Biarritz at St Helens on Saturday.

The former Wales outside-half kicked all Swansea's points, putting over five penalties to give them hope of qualifying from Pool Three, although they will still have to beat Biarritz in France next weekend.

But the only try of the match came from Biarritz flanker Christophe Milheres whose score towards the end of the first half gave the French an interval lead of 7-6.

An unimpressive opening quarter saw the score deadlocked at 0-0 until Arwel Thomas slotted over a 19th-minute penalty.

Swansea's cause was helped with Biarritz's kicker Stuart Legg hopelessly wayward with three kicks in the first half.

And it was after Biarritz spurned a fourth kick at goal that their try came when Milheres drove over from a lineout.

Swansea created little all evening in attack with most of their good play coming through their captain and man of the match Scott Gibbs.

A minute before half-time Thomas kicked his second penalty to keep his side within a point.

After half-time Legg eventually found his range with his first penalty but Thomas struck three more to edge Swansea into a 15-10 lead.

Swansea were helped by the sin-binning of Biarritz prop Sotele Puleoto for throwing a punch in the scrum.

But Swansea failed to take advantage and before the end their own player Dean Thomas also saw yellow but the home side managed to hold on for the much needed win.

Teams:

Swansea: K. Morgan, Lima, Payne, Gibbs, Henson, A. Thomas, R. Jones, Morris, G. Jenkins, Evans, Maullin, Moore, Charvis, D. Thomas, Lewis.

Not Used: R. Jones, Witkowski, Wells, Le Chavalier, Griffiths, H. Jenkins, Moriarty.

Pens: A. Thomas 5.

Biarritz: Brusque, Bernat-Salles, Cassin, Isaac, Legg, Peyrelongue, Morlaes, Puleoto, Gonzales, Avril, Versailles, Roumat, Milheres, Matiu, Chouchan.

Not Used: Fitzgerald, Curnier, Menieu, Bonnet, Mazas, Ilharreguy, Bousses.

Tries: Milheres.

Cons: Legg.

Pens: Legg.

Att: 3,000

Ref: Andrew Ireland (Scotland).