Albion Under-18s slipped to a 3-1 defeat at home to Everton Under-18.
The young Baggies, who were facing Everton for the first time since their triumph over the Toffees in the FA Youth Cup quarter-final in late February, were beaten by Ellis Simms’ second-half hat-trick at Palm Training Ground.
The Everton forward scored his first three minutes after the break. He then added a second eight minutes later before completing his treble with just over ten minutes to go.
Stanley Asomugha pulled one back late on but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation strike.
ALBION: Griffiths; White, Hill, Solanke (King HT), Delaney; Taylor, Ashton, Brown, Gardner-Hickman (Wakeling 78), Barry; Soule (Asomugha 66).
Subs: Cann, Williams.
