You don't need more skill level for your character, for sure. I just started playing recently myself and was beating up the skeletons with a lower club skill than what you have as well as less hit points.
Which may be why you are having trouble. Food either favors hit points or stamina (or a balance), and it sounds like you are eating to front load your hit points, which means your stamina is probably horrible. You should try actually eating at least one more food that gives stamina instead of health.

Really, all you need to do is dodge or block at the right time to avoid the damage. They die very quickly when you hit them with the club. But you need enough stamina to actually be able to hit them.