Make a better, good, poor, etc. fist of something
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Effort Implication
The phrase suggests the effort taken to achieve something, not just the outcome. 
Despite the difficulties, she made a good fist of organizing the event.
Pro Tip 2/3Subjectivity
What makes a 'good' or 'poor' fist can be subjective, varying by someone's perspective. 
I thought he made a poor fist of the negotiations, but others disagreed.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Nuance
This phrase is more common in British English and may not be well understood elsewhere. 
In her first cricket match, she made a better fist of batting than bowlers expected.