I think if you check under the car after its been running a while a faulty cat would be red hot like its been heated with oxy/acetlane gas torch, I've had that before
Although I think a faulty cat would send a code to the ecu. Still worth a look under after a run
Figo could be correct about crank sensor never had problems with them myself so haven't experienced the symptoms
Also I am the SE your engine is the YH so will have a different set of problems to deal with
Is it a vec c ?
What is year and mileage
I think a crank sensor is about 50 quid
Just need to start eliminating possibilities one at a time starting with the cheapest